Aronimink secrets revealed by man who knows it best as Rory McIlroy and co tackle PGA Championship venue

The name Aronimink will be new to many tuning in to enjoy the 2026 PGA Championship, but to others, it’s home.

The historic Philadelphia track will soon welcome the best in the game for the second golf major of the year.

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Opened 100 years ago and designed by Donald Ross, Aronimink is one of the oldest courses in the States and is returning to the major rota after over 60 years away.

Its name roughly translates to ‘place of water’ but the blue stuff is not the only thing players will have to contend with this week.

Rolling hills, uneven lies, tricky greens and over 180 bunkers await Rory McIlroy and co in their pursuit of the Wanamaker Trophy.

Pennsylvania is home to some classic golf courses – Oakmont, Merion and The Philadelphia Cricket Club to name a few.

But Aronimink is ready to remind the golfing world of its quality.

Jeff Kiddie, Aronimink’s head professional since 2008, told talkSPORT.com: “It’s incredible to have the PGA Championship back to Aronimink. It’s been 64 years since the PGA was at Aronimink and Philadelphia.

“You can feel the excitement building. We’ve hosted significant events here, but the PGA Championship has a different scale to it. 

“The members, staff and local golf community understand how big this is, especially with major Championship golf returning to Philadelphia for the first time since 2013.”

Aronimink is something of a unique design, especially by Donald Ross’ standard.

It plays around a bowl, using the lie of the land to create drama and featuring out-of-play fairway bunkers, broken up into several smaller sand traps.

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It’s tight-knit, almost claustrophobic and while it will yield plenty of birdies, especially if it rains this week, it will also be a demanding test.

Kiddie said: “Aronimink is a very honest golf course. There are not a lot of tricks or hidden elements. It’s right in front of you.

“The challenge is that players still have to hit the right shots. A few new tees may require players to pick specific sight lines, and the greens can be demanding because there are almost ‘greens within greens’.

“You can be on the putting surface and still feel like you are in the wrong place.

“I think what will surprise the spectators the most, is how intimate the venue will feel. They will hear and feel the roars from all over the course. 

“There are so many viewing opportunities to watch several holes at one time. This might be the most unique aspect compared to other recent venues.”

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Scottie Scheffler is the defending champion, McIlroy will be among the favourites and a host of other star names will be looking to claim glory.

Recent PGA Championship winning scores have ranged from 5-under-par when Justin Thomas won at Southern Hills in 2022 to 21-under as Xander Schauffele claimed victory at Valhalla two years later.

So what winner will Aronimink produce come Sunday evening?

“The number matters less than the result,” Kiddie added.

“Valhalla had incredible scoring, but it was one of the most compelling Championships in recent years.

“We want a fair Championship where great shots are rewarded, mistakes matter and the winner clearly earns the Wanamaker Trophy. 

“Aronimink has scoring chances, but it also has enough demanding holes to separate the best player over four days.

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“Aronimink rewards the complete player.

“At the professional level, most players are long enough, so it becomes more about driving it in position, staying out of the rough, controlling distance and hitting the right sections of the greens. 

“The best players will know when to attack the birdie holes and when to manage the tougher ones.

“The ideal Sunday is a packed leaderboard, a golf course asking the right questions and a winner who has to produce something special coming down the stretch.

“We’re not rooting for one player. We’re rooting for a great Championship.”

talkSPORT will have regular updates from the 108th edition of the PGA Championship at Aronimink throughout the week.