If you're a golf nut, the calendar usually revolves around four specific weeks of the year. For 2026, one of those weeks just got a lot more interesting because the PGA Championship is heading back to a place that feels like a bit of a throwback. Honestly, if you haven't been keeping track, the 108th edition of this thing is landing at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.
Mark your calendars. The 2026 PGA Championship dates are officially set for May 11–17, 2026.
Now, if you’re just looking for the days when the big names are actually throwing darts at pins, that's Thursday through Sunday, May 14–17. The earlier days in the week? Those are for practice rounds, where you can actually see these guys acting like humans, cracking jokes, and trying to figure out how a Donald Ross course is going to wreck their weekend.
What’s the deal with Aronimink?
It’s been a minute since the PGA was here. Like, a long minute. The last time the Wanamaker Trophy was hoisted at Aronimink, Gary Player was the one doing the lifting. That was 1962. It’s kinda wild to think it took over 60 years to get back there for the men's major, but the course has been busy. It hosted the KPMG Women's PGA Championship in 2020 and the BMW Championship back in 2018.
The place is a beast.
Specifically, we’re looking at a par-70 layout that stretches over 7,200 yards. In the world of modern golf, where guys like Bryson DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler treat 300-yard drives like a gentle layup, that might not sound "long." But Aronimink isn't about raw length. It’s about those Ross greens. They are legendary for being fast, undulating, and basically designed to make you look like you've never held a putter before.
A Quick Breakdown of the Week
The schedule for the 2026 PGA Championship follows the traditional major format, but the vibe in Philly is going to be different. This isn't just a golf tournament; it’s part of a massive 250th-anniversary celebration for the United States.
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- Monday, May 11 – Wednesday, May 13: Practice Rounds. This is usually when the "Championship+" tickets are still available. It’s the best time to take photos before the "no phones during play" rules get strictly enforced.
- Thursday, May 14: Round 1. The full field of 156 players tees off.
- Friday, May 15: Round 2. The dreaded "cut" happens here. Typically, only the top 70 and ties move on.
- Saturday, May 16: "Moving Day." This is when someone usually goes low and tries to separate themselves from the pack.
- Sunday, May 17: The Final Round. Someone gets a massive check and a trophy that weighs a ton.
Why the 2026 PGA Championship dates matter more than usual
Usually, the PGA Championship is just the "second major of the year." But 2026 is the Semiquincentennial. That’s a fancy word for America’s 250th birthday. Since Philadelphia is the birthplace of the country, the whole region is going to be absolutely slammed.
We’re talking about a year where Philly is also hosting the MLB All-Star Game and FIFA World Cup matches. If you think you can just roll into town and find a hotel room on May 12th, you’re in for a rough surprise.
Basically, the 2026 PGA Championship dates are the kickoff for a summer of chaos in Delaware County.
What most people get wrong about tickets
Don't wait. Seriously. The PGA of America uses a registry system that is notoriously fast-moving. By the time 2026 actually rolls around, the primary market for Thursday through Sunday tickets will likely be ghost-town territory.
Interestingly, the PGA has moved toward a "Championship+" model. This is actually a pretty good deal—it includes your food and non-alcoholic drinks in the ticket price. No more fumbling for $15 every time you want a burger. You just grab it and go. But because of that, the daily grounds tickets for the competition days sell out faster than ever.
If you’re a veteran or active-duty military, there is usually a program for complimentary admission through GovX, but you have to be on it the moment registration opens in late 2025.
Expert Insight: How the course will play
I’ve talked to a few people who know the Ross design at Aronimink. They’re expecting the PGA of America to set it up "thick." We’re talking about four-inch rough and fairways that feel like they're narrowing as the day goes on.
Jeff Kiddie, the head pro at Aronimink, has already mentioned that the 15th hole—a 535-yard par 4—is going to be a soul-crusher. And the 17th? It’s a par 3 over water that can play anywhere from a short iron to a long hybrid depending on where they put the pins.
The Defending Champion Factor
Coming into the 2026 PGA Championship, all eyes will be on Scottie Scheffler. He dominated the 2025 season (winning the PGA at Quail Hollow), and his game is built for the kind of precision Aronimink demands. But keep an eye on guys like Rory McIlroy, who has a history of playing well on classic, tree-lined Northeast courses.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're planning to attend, here is exactly what you should do right now:
- Register for the Ticket Exchange: Go to the official PGA Championship website and get on the mailing list. They send out the windows for ticket "selection" based on when you registered.
- Book Lodging in the "Burbs": Instead of staying in Center City Philly, look at West Chester, Malvern, or even King of Prussia. You'll avoid the city traffic and be closer to Newtown Square.
- Check the Resale Market Early: If you missed the primary window, SeatGeek is the official resale partner. Prices usually spike right after the 2025 PGA Championship ends, so keep a pulse on it.
The 2026 PGA Championship is going to be a massive moment for golf in the Northeast. With the historical backdrop of Philadelphia's 250th and the sheer difficulty of Aronimink, it's shaping up to be a week that people talk about for another 60 years.