The Aronimink Golf Club has a storied past, and its journey from the 1962 PGA Championship to hosting the event in 2026 is nothing short of fascinating. Over the years, the course has seen remarkable transformations, blending its historic roots with modern advancements.

From a significant restoration led by renowned architect Gil Hanse to subtle tweaks that make it a true championship test, Aronimink is ready to shine on golf’s biggest stage once again. Let’s dive into how this iconic course has evolved and what makes it so special today.

Gil Hanse’s Restoration: Breathing New Life into a Classic Design

When it comes to restoring historic golf courses, few architects are as celebrated as Gil Hanse. In 2017, Aronimink underwent a dramatic restoration under Hanse’s guidance, and the results were nothing short of spectacular. His goal? To honor the original vision of legendary course designer Donald Ross while making Aronimink a tougher, more strategic challenge for the modern golfer.

Hanse focused on rediscovering Ross’s original design features, which had been lost over the decades due to changes in maintenance practices and evolving technology. He widened fairways, restored bunkers to their original shapes, and reintroduced strategic angles that force players to think carefully about their shots. The greens were also brought back to their former glory, with undulating surfaces that demand precision.

If you’ve ever wondered what makes Aronimink so unique, it’s this balance of history and innovation. Hanse’s work didn’t just enhance the course—it brought its soul back. Whether it’s the sharp edges of the bunkers or the beautifully contoured greens, every inch of Aronimink now feels like a tribute to its rich heritage. When the 2026 PGA Championship rolls around, you’ll see players pushed to their limits on a course that’s as beautiful as it is challenging.

Modern Course Improvements: A Championship Test for Today’s Game

While Gil Hanse’s restoration focused on the past, Aronimink hasn’t ignored the needs of today’s game. Hosting a modern major like the 2026 PGA Championship means the course must meet the demands of the world’s best players—and the expectations of fans watching at home.

One of the most noticeable changes is the length. Aronimink has been stretched to over 7,200 yards, making it a true test of power and precision. Longer par-4s and par-5s will challenge even the biggest hitters to carefully plan their approach shots. But don’t let the added length fool you—this course isn’t just about distance. The fairways are narrower in key landing zones, forcing players to stay accurate off the tee.

On top of that, the greens have been fine-tuned to provide faster speeds and more complex breaks. This will make putting a thrilling challenge during the championship, especially when the pressure is at its peak. The course improvements ensure that Aronimink isn’t just a great venue for the 2026 PGA Championship—it’s a stage where the best in the world can truly showcase their skills.

How Technology Has Shaped Aronimink’s Evolution

Technology has had a massive impact on golf in recent decades, and Aronimink has embraced these advancements to stay competitive. From modern turf management to advanced irrigation systems, maintaining the course in pristine condition is now a science. These upgrades ensure that every blade of grass is tournament-ready, creating a playing surface that is both fair and challenging.

But it’s not just the maintenance that’s benefited from technology. The design process itself was enhanced by tools like ground-mapping systems and 3D modeling, which allowed Gil Hanse to restore the course with incredible accuracy. By studying old aerial photographs and combining them with modern data, he was able to recreate Donald Ross’s original vision while making it suitable for today’s players.

Technology has also played a role in how fans will enjoy the 2026 PGA Championship. With advanced camera angles, drone footage, and real-time statistics, viewers at home will get an unprecedented look at Aronimink’s beauty and challenges. It’s a testament to how far golf—and this historic course—has come since 1962.

Championship Setup: What to Expect in 2026

When Aronimink hosted the PGA Championship in 1962, the course was a tough test of skill, but the setup was nothing like the rigorous standards of today’s majors. Fast forward to 2026, and the championship setup will be a whole new ball game.

Expect to see pin positions that will make even the best golfers sweat. With greens that run lightning-fast and undulating slopes, precision putting will be essential. The rough will likely be grown out to penalize missed fairways, meaning players will need to hit accurate drives—or face the consequences.

The weather in May could also play a role in how the course is set up. Rain could soften the greens, while sunny days might firm them up, adding another layer of unpredictability. Aronimink’s championship setup will test every aspect of a player’s game, from driving and approach shots to short game and mental toughness.

Conclusion: Blending History and Progress for the 2026 PGA Championship

Aronimink Golf Club has come a long way since it last hosted the PGA Championship in 1962. From Gil Hanse’s thoughtful restoration to modern course improvements and the influence of technology, the course has evolved into a masterpiece that balances tradition with innovation. When the 2026 PGA Championship tees off, Aronimink will once again prove why it’s one of the finest courses in the world.

So, whether you’re a lifelong golf fan or just tuning in for the excitement, Aronimink’s evolution is a story worth celebrating. It’s a course steeped in history, yet ready to challenge the future of the game.

PGA Championship Winners (1962 – 2026)

• 1962: Gary Player
• 1963: Julius Boros
• 1964: Bobby Nichols
• 1965: Gary Player
• 1966: Dave Stockton
• 1967: Don January
• 1968: Bruce Crampton
• 1969: Raymond Floyd
• 1970: Jay Hebert
• 1971: Lee Trevino
• 1972: Jack Nicklaus
• 1973: Jack Nicklaus
• 1974: Lee Trevino
• 1975: Jack Nicklaus
• 1976: Dave Stockton
• 1977: Lanny Wadkins
• 1978: John Mahaffey
• 1979: David Graham
• 1980: Jack Nicklaus
• 1981: Larry Nelson
• 1982: Raymond Floyd
• 1983: Hal Sutton
• 1984: Lee Trevino
• 1985: Hubert Green
• 1986: Bob Tway
• 1987: Larry Nelson
• 1988: Jeff Sluman
• 1989: Payne Stewart
• 1990: Wayne Levi
• 1991: John Daly
• 1992: Nick Price
• 1993: Paul Azinger
• 1994: Nick Price
• 1995: Steve Elkington
• 1996: Mark Brooks
• 1997: Davis Love III
• 1998: Vijay Singh
• 1999: Payne Stewart
• 2000: John Daly
• 2001: David Toms
• 2002: Rich Beem
• 2003: Shaun Micheel
• 2004: Vijay Singh
• 2005: Phil Mickelson
• 2006: Phil Mickelson
• 2007: Tiger Woods
• 2008: Padraig Harrington
• 2009: Y.E. Yang
• 2010: Martin Kaymer
• 2011: Keegan Bradley
• 2012: Rory McIlroy
• 2013: Jason Dufner
• 2014: Rory McIlroy
• 2015: Jason Day
• 2016: Jimmy Walker
• 2017: Justin Thomas
• 2018: Brooks Koepka
• 2019: Brooks Koepka
• 2020: Collin Morikawa
• 2021: Phil Mickelson
• 2022: Justin Thomas
• 2023: Brooks Koepka
• 2024: Xander Schauffele
• 2025: May 15–18, 2025 – Course: Quail Hollow Golf & Country Club
• 2026: May 11-17, 2026, Aronimink Golf Club will host its second PGA Championship.

Notes:

• The 2024 and 2025 champions are not yet determined as they haven’t occurred.
• The upcoming 2026 PGA Championship will take place at Aronimink Golf Club.

This list captures the legacy of champions who have triumphed in one of golf’s four major championships over the decades. It showcases the evolution of the game and the remarkable talent that has emerged on the PGA Tour.