Where is pga championship 2026

Overview

The 2026 PGA Championship is set to take place at Medinah Country Club, specifically on Course No. 3, located in Medinah, Illinois. This prestigious major will be held from August 10 to 16, 2026, marking a significant return to one of golf’s most storied venues.

Medinah has a long history of hosting elite golf events, including multiple U.S. Opens and PGA Championships. The 2026 edition will be the fourth time the PGA Championship is played at this location, reinforcing its status as a cornerstone of American golf.

• Medinah Country Club in Medinah, Illinois, will host the 2026 PGA Championship, continuing its legacy of major championships since 1999.
• The event is scheduled for August 10–16, 2026, with the weekend rounds coinciding with peak summer conditions in the Midwest.
• Course No. 3, the tournament venue, measures over 7,700 yards and features a par of 72, offering a stern test for the world’s best players.
• This will be the fourth PGA Championship hosted at Medinah, following previous editions in 1999, 2006, and 2012, all of which featured dramatic finishes.
• The 2012 PGA Championship at Medinah is famously remembered for the Ryder Cup-style comeback by the U.S. team, adding emotional weight to the 2026 return.

How It Works

The PGA Championship is one of golf’s four major tournaments, organized annually by the Professional Golfers’ Association of America. It features a 156-player field, with a cut after 36 holes reducing the field to the top 70 and ties.

• Eligibility: Players qualify through top rankings, past major wins, or PGA Tour performance. 156 golfers compete, including top 100 in the Official World Golf Ranking.
• Format: The tournament spans four days of stroke play, with 72 holes total; the lowest cumulative score wins, no match play involved.
• Course Setup: Medinah’s Course No. 3 will feature thick rough, fast greens, and water hazards on multiple holes, increasing difficulty for precision.
• Defending Champion: The 2025 winner earns automatic entry; past champions within five years also receive exemptions.
• Prize Money: The 2026 purse is expected to exceed $18 million, with the winner receiving approximately 20% of the total.
• TV Coverage: Broadcast live on ESPN and CBS, with 12+ hours of live coverage over the weekend, reaching over 200 countries.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how Medinah Country Club compares to other recent and upcoming PGA Championship venues:

Medinah stands out for its history and course difficulty. While Kiawah Island is longer, Medinah’s tree-lined fairways and elevated greens present unique challenges. The 2026 setup will likely emphasize accuracy over pure distance, favoring strategic players.

Why It Matters

The 2026 PGA Championship at Medinah is more than just a tournament—it’s a celebration of golf history and a test of modern excellence. With increasing global viewership and competitive depth, the event shapes legacies and influences the sport’s future.

• Historic Significance: Hosting its fourth PGA Championship, Medinah cements its place among the most iconic U.S. golf venues.
• Player Legacy: Winning at Medinah adds prestige; past champions include Tiger Woods (1999 PGA) and Rory McIlroy (2012 WGC).
• Economic Impact: The event is projected to bring over $50 million in economic activity to the Chicago metropolitan area.
• Global Exposure: With broadcasts in 200+ countries, the tournament boosts U.S. golf visibility and PGA brand equity.
• Course Evolution: Medinah has undergone renovations since 2012, including green resurfacing and bunker updates, meeting modern standards.
• Youth Engagement: The PGA plans outreach programs in Illinois schools, aiming to introduce 10,000+ students to golf by 2026.

The 2026 PGA Championship promises to be a landmark event, blending tradition with modern competition. As Medinah prepares to welcome the world’s best, fans can anticipate another chapter in golf’s rich narrative.