The Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky is the site of this week’s PGA Championship, but entry to it requires dues and fees.
Valhalla Golf Club was established in 1986 and has remained private ever since. However, its ownership has changed several times, and its membership requirements have evolved over the years.
A significant turnover occurred in 2022 when the club was bought from the PGA of America by a small group of investors led by Jimmy Kirchdorfer, the CEO of ISCO Industries. The investors stated their goal was to “protect Valhalla from profit-driven investors, who would likely develop the critical land surrounding our course.”
Not long after the sale, changes announced by the new management were met with resistance. The club terminated corporate memberships and unaccompanied guest play, and it told longtime members they would either have to quit the club or forfeit their entitlement to a refund of their initiation dues.
Valhalla Golf Club
Despite these conflicts, with a history of big championships, Valhalla has long been regarded as the most prominent club in the Louisville region. The club has hosted the notable PGA Championship this season.
According to GOLF.com’s multiple sources, one of whom is a current member, the initiation dues of the club were previously estimated to be around $75,000, and had increased to $125,000, in addition to $1,000 in monthly dues.
According to those sources, Valhalla has about 35 national members and about 275 members based in Kentucky as of the most recent count. A nationwide membership costs $25,000 up front, with dues of about $500 each month. Sources claim that this membership is only available to people who live more than 100 miles away from the club.
There is also no waiting list, according to the source. Anyone can join at any time.
Cover Photo: IG
Source: GOLF.com
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