LOUISVILLE — A group called Valhalla Golf Partners LLC, which comprises Valhalla Golf Club members, has agreed to purchase the course from the PGA of America.
What You Need To Know
- Course designed by Jack Nicklaus
- Opened in 1986
- Tied with Oak Hill Country Club for second-most PGA Championships hosted
- Group plans to continue commitments
According to a press release from the PGA, the new group is led by ISCO Industries Inc. chair and CEO Jimmy Kirchdorfer and has showed a long-term commitment to the club, the game of golf, the PGA Member, the Kentucky PGA Section and the broader Louisville community.
Kirchdorfer is a member of the Kentucky Golf Hall of Fame and holds positions on the First Tee of Louisville, Golf Course Builders Association of America Foundation and the Kentucky Golf Foundation. Kirchdorfer is joined by David Novak, the co-founder and former chair and CEO of YUM! Brands and current CEO of David Novak Leadership; president and CEO of Bridgeman Foods and former independent director of the PGA of America, Junior Bridgeman; and president and CEO of Musselman Hotels, Chester Musselman.
“Following an open and extensive process, we have found an incredible partner led by Jimmy Kirchdorfer to continue the legacy of Valhalla Golf Club and the commitment to the PGA Member, the game of golf and the Louisville community,” Jim Richerson, PGA of America president said in a press release. “While the sale of the property is complete, the PGA of America’s partnership will remain with Valhalla Golf Club, inclusive of a continued commitment to brand standards and staff led by PGA Member and General Manager Keith Reese, providing access and programs for the PGA Member and the Kentucky PGA Section and partnering on championship operations.”
Golfer Jack Nicklaus designed Valhalla, and the course opened in 1986. The 106th PGA Championship in 2024 will be the fourth contested at Valhalla, tying it with Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, N.Y., for the second-most all-time.
“Valhalla is the crown jewel of Kentucky golf. David, Junior, Ches and I are proud to return the club to local ownership as its ongoing success is important to our community,” Kirchdorfer said in the press release. “As long-time members of Valhalla, we are honored to be chosen as stewards of this iconic property and are grateful for everything the PGA has done for our club. We look forward to hosting the 2024 PGA Championship and partnering with the PGA for many years to come.”
Richerson said Valhalla Golf Club has proven itself to be a “wonderful test of championship golf, one that is as fair as it is challenging for the top golfers in the world.”
“We look forward to partnering with the new ownership group on a highly anticipated 2024 PGA Championship and working with the new owners to continue to have it as one of our championship sites,” he said.