Opinion & Analysis
5 Tour Stops the PGA Tour is Missing
Over the course of one season, the PGA Tour and World Golf Championships host 40 events across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas. Of those 40 events, 32 happen within 21 states during the span of 12 months. See the map below for reference (click to zoom):
As you can see, the majority of Tour events take place in major golf markets located in states with warmer climates (the West Coast and the South). There are a few cities across the country that the PGA Tour may want to consider when scheduling future events, however. Here’s my list of these five cities, which includes three courses in each city within a 100-mile radius of a major media market that could make sense for a Tour event.
Seattle
As golf fans saw last season, the city of Seattle loves the game of golf. The 2015 U.S. Open at Chambers Bay provided the golfing world with a glimpse into golf in the Pacific Northwest, and local fans sold out the event months before in anticipation. Seattle houses the 12th largest TV market in the country, and is home to players such as Fred Couples and Ryan Moore.
Top Courses in Seattle Area
- Sahalee CC (Host of 1998 PGA Championship, 2010 U.S. Senior Open, 2016 Women’s PGA Championship)
- Chambers Bay (Host of 2015 U.S. Open)
- Aldarra Golf Club (Fazio Design, Ranked No. 3 in Washington by Golf Digest)
Detroit
From 1958 to 2009, Detroit hosted the Buick Open as an annual Tour stop. Winners of the event ranged from Billy Casper and Hale Irwin to Vijay Singh and Tiger Woods. For long-time golf fans, this was the home to a wonderful tournament atmosphere and one of the rowdiest holes in golf (known as the 2nd largest cocktail party outside of the Florida-Georgia football game). Home to the 11th largest TV market, Detroit would make a GREAT Tour stop during the summer months of the schedule.
Top Courses in Detroit
- Oakland Hills CC (Hosted 6 U.S. Opens, 3 PGA Championships and a Ryder Cup)
- Warwick Hills CC (Former Home of the Buick Open)
- Barton Hills CC (Donald Ross Design, Hosted U.S. Women’s Amateur)
Chicago
While the Windy City has hosted some recent majors and an occasional FedExCup Playoffs event, Chicago really does deserve to have a yearly Tour stop once again. The 3rd largest TV market in the U.S. hosted the Western Open from 1899 to 2006 (the 3rd longest active Tour event behind the British Open, and the U.S. Open), and has also hosted 14 U.S. Opens, 6 PGA Championships and a Ryder Cup. While the playoffs are a nice visit now and then, Chicago is certainly worthy of a yearly event.
Top Courses in Chicago
- Medinah No. 3 (Hosted 3 U.S. Opens, 2 PGA Championships and a Ryder Cup)
- Butler National GC (Host of Western Open from 1974-1990, Ranked in the Top-25 nationally)
- Kemper Lakes GC (Host of 1989 PGA Championship, Grand Slam of Golf)
Denver
Another city that has seen an occasional FedExCup Playoffs event, Denver hosts the 17th largest TV market in the U.S. “The International” was held in the Denver area from 1986-2006, and was the only stableford event hosted on Tour during that time. Denver has also seen 3 U.S. Opens and 3 PGA Championships come through town, so it certainly has the history to back its bid for a potential event location.
Top Courses in Denver
- Castle Pines GC (Former Home of “The International” event)
- Cherry Hills CC (Hosted 3 U.S. Opens and 2 PGA Championships)
- Colorado GC (Host of 2010 Senior PGA Championship & 2013 Solheim Cup)
Tulsa/Oklahoma City
Combined, Tulsa and Oklahoma City create the 21st largest TV market. It’s not just the TV market that makes these cities an attractive stop for the PGA Tour, however; it’s the quality of golf in the area. The golf teams at the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University have developed more than 50 PGA Tour players, and continue to field nationally-ranked teams year after year. Add in some major championship history, and you’re looking at a solid site for a yearly Tour stop.
Top Courses in Tulsa/Oklahoma City
- Southern Hills CC (Host of 4 PGA Championships and 3 U.S. Opens)
- Oak Tree National (Host of the 1988 PGA Championship and 2014 US Senior Open)
- The Patriot Golf Club (Folds of Honor Home Course, Host of Patriot Cup Invitational)
Where do you think the PGA Tour should consider adding a stop? Let us know in the comment section below.
This past Monday, I played in the U.S. Amateur local qualifier at Rock Creek Country Club in Portland, Oregon. A full tee sheet from 7:30 a.m. to 1:55 p.m., the top 11 scores would make it to the U.S. Amateur final qualifying.
I teed off at 10:48 a.m.. With the 7:30 am tee time, you can get a feel for the leaders’ pace, and they were off and running on the challenging setup at Rock Creek.
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Getting to the highlight of the round on the par five 17th, a drive up the left side and 212 yards left to the front hole location. I took out a 5-iron with plans of middle of the green. The ball ended up 8 feet left of the hole, pin high. A slight downhill putt dropped in for an eagle 3 on the 17th. With the cut line looking to be anywhere from -2 to even par. This was the boost I had been waiting for all day.
With making par from the trees on 18, it was time to wait for a potential playoff with a posted score of one under par 71.
Three hours later, it was playoff time. 8 players for 6 spots. I made par on the playoff hole, which was good enough to advance to the U.S. Amateur final qualifying in July. USGA qualifiers sure deliver on all of the emotions in golf!
Club Junkie
Building my 2026 gamer WITB: Ranking the contenders and new putter projects – Club Junkie Podcast
The annual What’s In The Bag build is underway, and on this episode of Club Junkie, Brian breaks down the clubs currently leading the race for a spot in his 2026 gamer setup. From drivers and fairway woods to irons, wedges, and shafts, he ranks the equipment that’s performing best and explains what’s separating the front runners from the rest of the field.
Brian also heads into the workshop to discuss several putter projects currently on the bench. From head options and shaft choices to build ideas and testing plans, he shares what he’s working on and which putters could become serious contenders for the bag this season.
If you’re a gear junkie who loves equipment testing, club building, and the never-ending pursuit of the perfect setup, this episode is for you.
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Club Junkie
Tour Edge Exotics mini driver review + TaylorMade Spider ZT Max first look – Club Junkie
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I also dive into the new TaylorMade Spider ZT Max putter that was recently spotted and discuss the growing zero torque putter trend. Plus, there is a closer look at the new Project X Titan Yellow shaft showing up on the PGA Tour and what makes it different from other profiles currently out there.
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laremy tunsil
May 6, 2016 at 7:08 pm
Colorado Oregon Washington
Richard Trickle
May 6, 2016 at 7:05 pm
I think a minimum of 3 events in West Virginia would be great. You could call it the West Virginia Swing and have a points race with free lifetime supply of skoal for the winner.
Loki Smizzle
May 3, 2016 at 5:16 pm
The tour has to dodge where a high percentage of minoritys live. Decent people won’t support anything after they take it over. I know everyone will hate this comment but just think about the last restaurant you was in that was minority heavy: it was terrible, wasn’t it?
Atty
May 4, 2016 at 7:59 am
You’re an a$$.
farmer
May 3, 2016 at 3:07 pm
Surprising the hole in the NW. Microsoft could sponsor an event, commercial free telecast, free food, and have a blip on their quarterly earnings report. All they need is a date, and for Bill Gates to stop carelessly trying to make life better for folks in underdeveloped countries.
Steven
May 3, 2016 at 2:00 pm
Since I live in OKC, I would love this. I do think the Tour would have to look past Southern Hills and Oak Tree National because both those courses want to host majors. However, we have 1-2 others (like Patriot Club) that could definitely host an event. Gaillardia Country Club hosted the Senior Tour Championship a few times, and our golf season is longer than most.
MP-4
May 3, 2016 at 12:04 pm
You would think that Microsoft or Amazon could sponsor an event in the Seattle area.
Don’t forget: TPC Snoqualmie Ridge, Salish Cliffs, White Horse, Gold Mountain, Suncadia, and Gamble Sands!
Brad
May 3, 2016 at 2:52 pm
Was in Seattle last summer and stopped by the TPC Snoqualmie Ridge clubhouse for a scorecard and a Boeing Classic polo…beautiful part of the country!
prime21
May 3, 2016 at 7:23 am
Gotta vote for Philly w/ Aronimink being the venue. While there are many great golf courses in the general vicinity, Aronomink is not only the best test of golf in the area, it also is a great layout for spectators. The array of local universities makes transportation easier to accommodate and I’m sure Pat’s & Gino’s would make it one of the favorite stops for food on tour (outside of New Orleans of course). Saucon Valley would also be great, but being a good 45 minutes outside of Philly, I don’t think it can really be considered “within the city limits”.
Evan
May 2, 2016 at 9:51 pm
I’ve been thinking a bit about this. Seattle is inconvenient for the tour schedule even though it has some of the most predictable and best weather in the summer. But US Opens and PGA championships should be held much more frequently in the pacific northwest and upper midwest to really capture larger golf audiences. The US Open at Chambers was a very big deal around here.
I can’t think of a better market/weather for the PGA championship than Seattle/PNW.
Another thought, the weather has been amazing around here lately. Why doesn’t the zurich classic move to Seattle?
B Clizzle
May 2, 2016 at 7:06 pm
Seattle…terrible weather
Detroit and Chicago…full of thugs and criminals
Colorado…trying to do Matt Every a solid
Tulsa/OKC…even the ppl living there don’t wanna be there
Andrew Beck
May 3, 2016 at 11:44 am
I’m not sure you’ve been to Seattle. From the end of June until the end of September there’s almost zero chance of rain. The skies will be blue. And at worst the temps will be in the 90’s, but more likely in the high 70’s to low 80’s. You can’t really ask for better weather than that.
Scott
May 3, 2016 at 11:44 am
wow, what a worldly view. I would like to subscribe to your newsletter.
Art Williams
May 2, 2016 at 4:06 pm
Philly should have a tour stop with all the great courses in the area and a population that loves and supports golf from Southern NJ to the Lehigh Valley and everywhere in between.
Mike Honcho
May 2, 2016 at 3:21 pm
Hands down, Chi-town. I don’t like the mid-West, mid-Westerners and Windy City sports team, the Blues Brothers can’t sing, could go on and on. But when it comes to golf courses, the town is not getting it’s deserved pro play.
Greg Moore
May 2, 2016 at 3:13 pm
LPGA is playing their Championship at Sahalee this year. Most of the issues with a new event is finding a sponsor who is willing to put up millions of dollars to host an event. The sponsors at established events are happy with where they are holding their tournaments. They’re not going to be happy if their tournament is moved.
reach4aheiney
May 2, 2016 at 3:11 pm
Wisconsin definitely needs to have a regular stop on the tour. Having a major every so often and the upcoming Ryder cup is nice but there are so many fans that I believe would agree. Whistling Straits could be reserved for majors and Ryder cups but the Irish course on the same complex could handle an event of that size without any issues and is a little easier to walk. Erin Hills, where the US Open is next year could host and event as well as The Bull, a Jack Nicklaus design, could also provide a challenging stop year after year. Having the Greater Milwaukee Open and then US Bank Championship was nice but the course that hosted it didn’t provide too much of a challenge and cannot be lengthened due to area restrictions.
Wa
May 2, 2016 at 1:47 pm
Weather has a lot to do with it, they’d rather go to places where it’s mostly predictable and good. Most of those other places are way too unpredictable and tremendously thundering when it does hit, season by season, and to try to fit it into the global golf calendar these days would be very difficult with the WGC getting in the way of bringing top names to smaller events.
Double Mocha Man
May 2, 2016 at 9:49 pm
Did you notice New Orleans this past week, weather wise?
GO
May 4, 2016 at 2:50 am
He said MOSTLY. Duh. Do you understand the English language?
Snowman9000
May 2, 2016 at 1:36 pm
All good candidates. Golf is big around Chicago. And certainly in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota too. The Quad Cities (John Deere) does give Iowa/Wisconsin/Minn/Illinois fans a tourney in the region. But it would be nice to have some kind of rotation involving the western great lake states.
Nick
May 2, 2016 at 12:24 pm
What about Philadelphia?
Merion
Aronimink
Pine Valley (though they would never host an event)
Philly Cricket Club
Lancaster Country Club
Huntingdon Valley
Saucon Valley
Brad
May 2, 2016 at 2:14 pm
Pennsylvania GENERALLY gets the US Open every year (although the west coast has been grabbing more and more bids). Personally, I associate Merion/Pine Valley/etc with the Open
Jim Reed
May 2, 2016 at 4:06 pm
GENERALLY???
8 times in 60 years…that is occasionally, not GENERALLY. The point that was being made is Philadelphia could use a tour stop and it could. There are significantly more world class courses in the region than on Nick’s list….and the largest metropolitan area to not host an event.
03 Blue 07
May 2, 2016 at 5:43 pm
Philly is the largest metro area to not host an event, you say? No, that would be the Chicagoland area, which is larger in population than the Philadelphia metro area by more than 33% (barely 6 million vs. over 9 million). Source: http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?src=bkmk
Tom
May 2, 2016 at 11:35 am
Too bad the PGA will never even consider Butler National for anything until they allow woman at the club.
ben
May 2, 2016 at 11:06 am
I just don’t see a regular event coming to Tulsa/Okc. Southern Hills would never host a regular tournament. I was kinda shocked when they hosted the Tour Championship in the mid 90’s. The Patriot is too easy for a tour stop. It reminds everyone of a resort style course. Oak Tree National would be great but it could be a challenge finding a sponsor with the state’s economy in the dump.
Matt
May 2, 2016 at 11:44 am
I doubt Oak Tree National would even want a regular tour stop. Something tells me they’d hold out for a major just like Souther Hills.
John
May 3, 2016 at 11:33 pm
Oak Tree hosted a senior event and everyone hated it. The course is all gimmicks and wind.
Lynn
May 3, 2016 at 11:02 pm
Agree with both comments here. Southern and oak tree won’t host anything but majors. More likely to have a web.com event, and plenty of good courses for that since logistics are easier with smaller crowds. Karsten Creek 45 min north of OKC (but Mike Holder, OSU athletic director wouldnt let this happen) Golf club of OK or Cedar ridge in Tulsa (Patriot is a nice course but wouldn’t hold up to web.com players) Gaillardia, Twin Hills or OKC g&cc in OKC. To extend that circle Prarie Dunes or Flint hills in Kansas would be great spots too.
Grant Janssen
May 2, 2016 at 11:05 am
St. Louis has a fantastic golf market and culture (we have one of only two Golf Galaxy superstores and a Club Champion for a reason), and with great courses like Bellerive CC (Senior PGA and PGA), Fox Run (LPGA, potential PGA stop if it gets in better shape), and others that could host an event for the Web.com Tour, the PGA tour is really missing out on a top market.
Chris
May 2, 2016 at 4:07 pm
St. Louis is a great place for golf. Spending four years in the city while playing collegiate golf I had the opportunity to play many courses. As stated above Fox Run could be a great test, it can tip out over 8000 yards. Only issue is its a bit far from downtown, otherwise great course. Dont forget about the like of Boone Valley, Old Warson, St Louis Country Club. Yes some may be easy as old school layouts, but hey who doesnt like seeing a birdie fest?
Lynn
May 3, 2016 at 11:06 pm
Fox Run is a BEAST! Caddied an open sectional qualifier there. From what I remember I enjoyed the course, a lot. And even in the qualifier we would get to a tee box and look back 80 yards and there would be another set of tees. All. Day. Long.
Mark
May 2, 2016 at 10:36 am
You think this is bad? Try living in England. The PGA Championship at Wentworth and one other event scheduled for The Grove, also out London. 2 million plus players, 42 million population and nothing north of the Greater London Area. The European Tour would much rather brown nose the middle east or China where the crowds, minus the guests, are negligible.
Brad
May 2, 2016 at 11:24 am
I really would LOVE to see a map of where all the European Tour events take place (similar to the one above). Would be interesting to see how many European Tour events take place in Europe.
Wa
May 2, 2016 at 1:44 pm
Why? That’s the same as asking the LPGA to show where they play in the WORLD. What point would it prove? They play where they want to play by mutual contractual and sponsorship agreements. They don’t have to play every event in Europe. Or the LPGA only in the US.
Brad
May 2, 2016 at 2:16 pm
No point to prove…just curious to see where every event is played.
I’d even take a Web.com/Champions/LPGA map
gmoney
May 2, 2016 at 11:06 pm
This would be great. Your next article??? It would be cool to see maps of European tour tour stops of the past 15 or so years to see how the events slowly move to asia
Double Mocha Man
May 2, 2016 at 10:24 am
Now that the Cubs are winning, Chicago doesn’t need any other sports. 🙂
And the photo looks like the City Park golf course in Denver, not one of the championship venues you listed.
QC
May 4, 2016 at 4:25 am
Lol Thats what I thought about the picture as well.
Nicholas Pursel
May 2, 2016 at 9:30 am
They really need a new tournament in Detroit. The city loves the game and is in desparate need of some fun activites to bring people downtown. There have been numerous attempts to get something going at Detroit Golf Club (my home course) and every single one fails for the same reasons, funding and finding a date. The tour needs to get back to Detroit, but I feel it won’t happen until someone shells out the money. Gilbert always acts like he does everything possible for the city but sponsers a tour event outside Detroit. They even backed out on a great event that would have featured Justin Timberlake, Mark Wahlberg, Rory McIlroy and Ricky Fowler playing under the lights in an alternate shot match. Its just a shame
Denny Jones
May 2, 2016 at 9:12 am
The Buick Open was in Grand Blanc, about 45 minutes north of Detroit. It was a great event and enjoyed by all. It is greatly missed.
CT
May 2, 2016 at 9:15 pm
Was played at a good course
Mike
May 2, 2016 at 8:48 am
Chicago has an event there every year virtually. Outside of 2008 I cannot think of a year where they didn’t have either the Ryder Cup or the BMW there?
Josh from Chicago
May 2, 2016 at 10:44 am
BMW Championship is only in Chicago every other year. So two years ago, 2014, there was no Chicago tour stop. Plus, the Champions Tour event up in the North Shore lost its sponsor depriving me of my chance to see John Daly tear it up with the old guys.
Brad
May 2, 2016 at 11:26 am
On the flip side, we did get a Web.com tour event this season as well as the LPGA’s UL Crown. Still miss the Western Open in July though…