Joining Valhalla, the legendary hall from Norse mythology, requires a valiant death in battle. However, gaining access to Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, where the PGA Championship is held, requires a different kind of commitment.
A Brief History of Valhalla Golf Club
Founded in 1986, Valhalla Golf Club has been a private establishment since its inception. Over the years, its ownership and membership policies have evolved significantly. A major change occurred in 2022 when a group of investors, led by ISCO Industries CEO Jimmy Kirchdorfer, acquired the club from the PGA of America. The new owners aimed to protect the club from profit-driven developers.
Membership Changes and Controversy
Following the sale, the new management introduced several changes. They eliminated corporate memberships and unaccompanied guest play. Additionally, longtime members were told they had to forfeit their right to a refund of their initiation dues or leave the club. This caused discontent among some members, leading to a mini-uprising and a few resignations.
A 2023 Golf Digest article highlighted the controversy, quoting a former member who criticized the new direction, stating, “They wanted to turn Valhalla into a sort of Augusta. I don’t want it to…
