Locally owned Valhalla Golf Club touts Kentucky flavor as it prepares to host 4th PGA Championship

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky’s distinctive flavor becomes obvious upon entering Valhalla Golf Club.

White and limestone fencing that surrounds many of the Bluegrass State’s horse farms lines the road leading in, which until recently featured a couple of residing thoroughbreds grazing just inside the gate. Speaking of bluegrass, every fairway features several cuts of the lush turf, complementing the Kentucky limestone jutting out from several holes.

A white spire a la Churchill Downs tops the clubhouse, offering a strong reminder of the Kentucky Derby among many traditions. Every touch, from holes nicknamed for the state’s signature bourbon to the Derby’s mint julep cocktail, were intentional by several Valhalla members who purchased the club from the PGA of America nearly two years ago.

And as 156 of the world’s best golfers prepare to take on the private course hosting its fourth PGA Championship this week, the hosts want to ensure that players, spectators and viewers learn all the Commonwealth offers.