In an unrelenting search for the world's finest golf courses, Access Software has discovered a true bluegrass beauty. Draped over the hills and streams of Louisville is the rippled jade blanket of Valhalla, site of the 1996 PGA Championship. The Valhalla Golf Club dream began in 1980 when the visionary Gahm family commissioned Jack Nicklaus to design a golf experience equal in beauty, strategic quality, and condition to the great golf courses of the world. Nicklaus responded with a unique combination of Scottish-style links for the front nine holes and a traditional bck nine adorned with maple and sycamore trees, limestone rock formations and gentle streams.
Nicklaus put a refreshing wrinkle in golf course conventions by creating par fours that would require thought and shotmaking precision, not power. In 1986, members were charmed and masters were challenged as Valhalla opened for play and began its rapid ascension to the No. 1 ranking in Kentucky. The decision to host the 1996 PGA Championship at Valhalla secured its place among the finest courses of the world.
Valhalla, meaning "a heaven of heroes" in Norse mythology, is ranked the #1 course in Kentucky, and I can see why. I really love this course. It's always challenging for me, even without wind. The design is perfect. Hosted the 1996 PGA Championship, and will host the 2000 PGA Championship. This was the first layout Nicklaus designed in the U.S. that wasn't constrained by demand for housing lots. The island green, on the 605yd 7th, was Out of Bounds for the Pros when they played here for the PGA in 96. The signature hole, #13, has an island green nicknamed "The Moat". The 14th is a perfect 7 Wood Par 3 with a breeze in your face. The 18th is a reachable Par 5 with a horseshoe green that has 3 distinct levels - low left, low right, and high center. This green is contoured so that (theoretically) a ball can be moved from one side of the green to the other in a single, sweeping putt, of about 135 feet. Believe it or not, anyone living greater than 100 miles away must have their clubs head pro reserve a tee time for them. Another tidbit: After the 1996 PGA Championship, the PGA of America became 1/2 owner of Valhalla (50%). Their intentions are to purchase the remaining 50% with the second tournament that is held here. Bill Awtrey, the PGA of America's CEO, said there will be a minimum spacing of 4 years between tournament visits. There is a distinct possibility of a Ryder Cup sometime after the year 2000.
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