06/02/2022
Louisville, KY
PGA of America sells Valhalla Golf Club to Louisville investor group.
06-01-22
The Professional Golfers' Association of America sold Valhalla Golf Club to a group of investors in Louisville.
A group of longtime club members — Jimmy Kirchdorfer, David Novak, Junior Bridgeman and Ches Musselman — now own it, Valhalla said Wednesday.
"Following an open and extensive process, we have found an incredible partner led by Jimmy Kirchdorfer to continue the legacy of Valhalla Golf Club and the commitment to the PGA Member, the game of golf and the Louisville community," Jim Richerson, president of the PGA of America, said in a news release Wednesday.
"While the sale of the property is complete, the PGA of America’s partnership will remain with Valhalla Golf Club, inclusive of a continued commitment to brand standards and staff led by PGA Member and General Manager Keith Reese, providing access and programs for the PGA Member and the Kentucky PGA Section and partnering on championship operations."
The 486-acre property sits off Shelbyville Road, just east of Interstate 265. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, it opened in 1986 and remains the No. 1-ranked course in Kentucky, according to Golf Digest.
n 1993, the PGA purchased 25% of Valhalla from its founder, Dwight Gahm. It purchased another 25% following the 1996 PGA Championship and acquired the rest of the club shortly after the 2000 PGA Championship.
"This group is poised to build upon the fantastic traditions and culture originally created by the Gahm family and continued for the past 20 years by the PGA of America," Reese wrote to club members. "The PGA of America and the new owners have worked tirelessly to ensure the transition is a smooth one keeping the Valhalla Membership and Valhalla team members at top of mind."
Valhalla has also played host to many marquee events that drew national and international attention to Louisville: