2016 PGA Championship: Behind the Architectural Curtain at Baltusrol

2016 PGA Championship: Behind the Architectural Curtain at Baltusrol
Jason Day plays a shot from a bunker on the 18th hole during the first round of the 2016 PGA Championship at Baltusrol Golf Club. Stuart Franklin/Getty Images
M. James Ward
Updated:

SPRINGFIELD, NJ—The 98th PGA Championship returns to Baltusrol Golf Club for the second time in eleven years and the event celebrates the 100th anniversary of the founding of the PGA which commenced its first event at Siwanoy Country Club in nearby Westchester County (NY) in 1916.

Baltusrol is no stranger to national competitions. The PGA Championship marks the 17th major event played on the grounds—seven U.S. Opens and now two PGA Championships among the various key competitions that have been held here. Baltusrol is blessed with two renown courses—the Lower and Upper with the former once again holding center court as the host layout.

The famed architect A.W. Tillinghast designed both layouts and in the years that followed Robert Trent Jones, Sr. played a significant role in updating the course for the 1954 U.S. Open. Interestingly, his son Rees did a number of improvements to both courses in recent years so that the Lower and Upper respectively remain relevant to championship events in the 21st century.

The architectural roundtable discusses the impact Baltusrol has had in major championship golf and what steps the PGA of America may take with its flagship event in the years to come.

A general view of the the fourth hole at Baltusrol Golf Club on July 30, 2016 in Springfield, New Jersey. (Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)
A general view of the the fourth hole at Baltusrol Golf Club on July 30, 2016 in Springfield, New Jersey. Drew Hallowell/Getty Images
M. James Ward
M. James Ward
Author
Ward is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America and Met Golf Writers Association. He has covered over 100 major championships and 12 Ryder Cup Matches. His golf acumen extends to architecture/travel, equipment, apparel, and general interest stories as well as in-depth interviews with the leading participants and influencers in the sport.
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