PGA CHAMPIONSHIP INTERNATIONAL VENUE

“I hope it doesn’t happen.” Billy Horschel

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Billy Horschel had a blunt response to the suggestion The R&A are considering taking the Open Championship outside of the British Isles. “The stupidest f… thing I’ve heard of. I’m happy if that goes viral.”

Looking deeper, The R&A is not considering taking The Open Championship outside of the British Isles in a global sense. It is only Portmarnock in the Republic of Ireland that is under consideration. The R&A is not taking it beyond the British Isles.

It does, however, raise an interesting question. Should a golf major move around internationally?

Comparison

Tennis has 4 majors; all held in four different countries. The Australian Open held in January, solely in the city of Melbourne, on hardcourt surfaces. The French Open in late May in Paris on clay. Wimbledon in London on grass courts. US Open in New York, late August on hardcourt.

Golf also has 4 majors; Only the Open Championship is held outside of the USA.

Moving a Golf Major

The Masters, in my opinion, is the greatest of all the majors due to the history of the event, and the beauty and challenge of its location. It will never be moved from Augusta National. The first major of the year is held in April.

The PGA Championship is held in May and moves to various courses around the USA.

The US Open is held in June and also moves to various courses around the USA.

The Open Championship played on links courses in July around the British Ilses.

The PGA Championship

This is the only major that can go international and rotate its venues. The golf world is no longer US centric; it is a global sport. The PGA organization has international relationships, a country other than the USA will reflect its international reach.

Conclusion

Tennis, another global sport, acknowledges its international fanbase by the four countries in which the majors are held. Golf needs to recognize its fanbase is international by moving the PGA Championship to a venue or venues outside of the USA. LIV golf is not restricted to one country; it is happy to promote its brand globally, in person. The PGA would be wise to follow suit for the benefit of fans, sponsors and the bottom line.

Source: Golfing Gazette, Jordan Harris, 13 July 2025.