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What you need to know about the 2024 PGA Championship

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The PGA Championship, one of golf’s most prestigious events, is poised to captivate audiences once again as it takes centre stage at the Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, United States, from May 16th to 19th. As the second major tournament of the year, it promises a thrilling showcase of talent, tradition, and excitement. The anticipation is palpable as we gear up for this outstanding event that will keep us on the edge of our seats.

As always happens at the beginning of each golf major, the Tee Times Golf Agency work team is prepared to follow the tournament moments in detail. Therefore, here we start with this review and present some things you need to know about the PGA Championship 2024.

The PGA Championship, a beacon of golfing excellence, stands out not just for its prestige but for its unique place in the hearts of local fans and the global community of golf enthusiasts. Established in 1916, it has become a cornerstone of professional golf, drawing top players from around the world to compete for the revered Wanamaker Trophy. With a rich history spanning over a century, the championship has witnessed numerous iconic moments and legendary performances that have left an indelible mark on the sport, resonating with fans worldwide.

2024 PGA Championship venue

This year, the PGA Championship returns to the revered Valhalla Golf Club, a venue steeped in tradition and prestige. Nestled in the picturesque city of Louisville, Kentucky, Valhalla boasts a storied legacy of hosting major championships, including memorable editions of the PGA Championship in 1996 and 2000. With its lush fairways, challenging layout, and scenic beauty, Valhalla is set to provide an ideal stage for the best professional golfers to showcase their skills.

From seasoned veterans to up-and-coming stars, the field is a hotbed of talent, promising a nail-biting spectacle from start to finish. The battle for glory will unfold with each swing and putt, with the outcome hanging in the balance until the very last moment. This element of unpredictability is what makes the PGA Championship so thrilling and keeps fans on the edge of their seats.

Scotie Scheffler remains the favourite to win the 106th edition of the PGA Championship as it returns to Valhalla. Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka (last edition winner) are also among the top contenders.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the PGA Championship is its ever-evolving venue selection. Unlike other major tournaments with fixed locations, the PGA Championship rotates across various reputable courses, showcasing different terrains and challenges each year. From iconic venues like the Olympic Club to lesser-known gems like Kiawah Island, each host site brings unique charm and character, leaving an indelible mark on the tournament’s legacy.

The PGA Championship in history

Furthermore, the PGA Championship boasts a storied history of memorable moments and unexpected triumphs. The tournament has seen its fair share of thrilling storylines, from Tiger Woods’ dominant performances (he will be in the championship field) to underdog victories by John Daly. These moments not only showcase the talent and resilience of the players but also serve as timeless reminders of the championship’s enduring allure.

Beyond the surface, the PGA Championship harbours lesser-known secrets that add an air of mystery to the proceedings. From the intricacies of course design to the subtle strategies employed by players, a wealth of hidden knowledge is waiting to be uncovered. For instance, avid fans may marvel at the subtle nuances of green speed or the strategic placement of hazards designed to test even the most skilled golfers.

The PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club is set to deliver a spectacle like no other, blending tradition, talent, and excitement in equal measure. As the world’s best golfers converge on Louisville, Kentucky, all eyes will be on Valhalla’s hallowed fairways as history unfolds again. So mark your calendars, tune in, and prepare to be mesmerized by the magic of the PGA Championship.

Celebrating Spanish gastronomy at the Masters Tournament Champions Dinner

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Last year, Spanish golfer Jon Rahm made history by winning the Masters Tournament at Augusta National. This week, he’s set to make another significant mark: designing the menu for the prestigious Champions Dinner, a tradition that brings together golf’s elite for a special meal. This is not just any menu but a showcase of the flavours of Spain, a unique culinary experience curated by Rahm himself.

Champions Dinner menu

Assisting Rahm in curating the menu is acclaimed Spanish chef José Andrés, who shares Rahm’s passion for showcasing the rich flavours of Spanish cuisine. Together, they have crafted a menu that celebrates the culinary heritage of the Basque Country and Spain.

The dinner begins with a selection of premium Spanish products, including Iberian ham, Idiazabal cheese, and chistorra, accompanied by gildas and traditional Basque-style lentil stew inspired by Rahm’s grandmother’s recipe. Guests will enjoy classic Spanish tapas such as tortilla española (Spanish omelette) and chicken croquettes.

For the main course, the players can choose between a refreshing spider crab salad, pil-pil-style turbot, or grilled T-bone steak. Rahm and José Andrés have prepared a decadent cream and custard mille-feuille dessert to conclude the meal.

These gastronomic delights represent Spain’s flavours and mirror the dining experiences that golf enthusiasts can enjoy at many golfing destinations offered by Tee Times Golf Agency for Spain golf holidays. 

Champions Dinner wines

Adding a personal touch to the dinner, Rahm has selected a wine that holds a special place in his heart: the Imperial Gran Reserva 2017. This wine, with its roots in the Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España (CVNE), is a family favourite, particularly cherished by Rahm’s grandfather. The wine’s presence has marked significant moments in Rahm’s life, including his wedding and the birth of his first child, making it more than just a choice of beverage for the evening.

Imperial Gran Reserva 2017, a prestigious red wine, was recognized as the world’s best by Wine Spectator in 2013. Crafted from the finest grapes from vineyards between 550 and 650 meters above sea level in La Rioja, Spain, this wine undergoes meticulous production processes. The grapes are manually harvested, undergo cold maceration, and are aged in French and American oak barrels for two years, resulting in a wine of exceptional quality and taste.

To complement Imperial, Rahm has chosen Contino Blanco 2020, a white wine from La Rioja Alavesa. Known for its balance, freshness, and ability to age gracefully, Contino Blanco 2020 reflects the floral and fruity character of Viura, Garnacha Blanca, and Malvasía grapes.

In addition to savouring exquisite cuisine and fine wines, attendees of the Champions Dinner will experience a taste of Spanish culture and hospitality, courtesy of Jon Rahm and his collaboration with José Andrés. As Rahm continues to make his mark in golf, his passion for his Basque roots and Spanish heritage shines through, both on and off the course.

Photo by: @TheMasters/Twitter

10 facts (and some hidden ones) about Augusta National and the Masters Tournament

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As the world gears up for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, it’s time to dive deeper into this prestigious venue and discover some lesser-known facts. Despite its iconic landmarks and celebrated history, Augusta National has some hidden facets that add depth to its mystique. Here are 10 things that you probably didn’t know about Augusta National Golf Club, and in Tee Times Golf Agency we invite you to know:

Secretive membership process: Augusta National is renowned for its secretive membership process. While the club’s roster includes some of the world’s most influential figures, the selection criteria remain closely guarded secrets. Speculation abounds regarding the identities of members and the initiation process.

Former plantation: the land where Augusta National stands today was once a plant nursery and indigo plantation. The club’s founders, Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts, transformed the property into the iconic course we know today.

Membership fees: while exact figures are not disclosed publicly, joining Augusta National requires a significant financial commitment. Reports suggest initiation fees and annual dues reach into the six figures, making it one of the most exclusive clubs in the world.

No female members until 2012: Augusta National faced criticism for its exclusionary membership policies for decades. It wasn’t until 2012 that the club admitted its first female members, former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and philanthropist Darla Moore, breaking tradition. 

Eisenhower Tree: one of Augusta National’s most famous landmarks was a loblolly pine tree on the 17th hole’s left side. Named after President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who frequently hit it, the tree was removed after sustaining damage in an ice storm in 2014.

Founder’s Cabin: tucked away near the 10th fairway is the Founder’s Cabin, where Bobby Jones stayed during the construction of Augusta National. This historic cabin serves as a reminder of the club’s origins and enduring legacy.

Azaleas and dogwoods: while the azaleas and dogwoods that bloom in spring are synonymous with Augusta National, few realize that many of these plants were strategically transplanted from other parts of the country to enhance the course’s aesthetic appeal.

Green Jacket Tradition: the tradition of awarding the winner of the Masters Tournament with a green jacket began in 1949. Initially, the jackets were only worn by members, but now they symbolize membership and are presented to the champion yearly.

Underground tunnels: beneath the pristine surface of Augusta National lies a network of underground tunnels used for various purposes, including maintenance, transportation, and shelter during inclement weather. These tunnels help preserve the course’s immaculate appearance during major events.

Strict rules and etiquette: the club maintains strict rules and etiquette for members and visitors. From dress codes to mobile phone usage, adherence to these guidelines is essential to upholding the club’s esteemed reputation and preserving its unique atmosphere.

As the Masters Tournament unfolds, these hidden facets of Augusta National add intrigue to an already captivating event. Beyond the thrilling competition on the course, the legacy and mystique of this iconic club continue to fascinate golf enthusiasts around the globe.

Photo by: Golfing Georgia.