FRISCO, Texas – The PGA of America announced on June 1 that following an open process, it has agreed to a sale of Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky to a group of Valhalla Golf Club Members.
The new group, called Valhalla Golf Partners, LLC, is led by Jimmy Kirchdorfer. They have demonstrated a long-term commitment to the club, the game of golf, the PGA Member, the Kentucky PGA Section and the broader Louisville community. Kirchdorfer currently serves as the chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of ISCO Industries, Inc., is a member of the Kentucky Golf Hall of Fame and holds positions on the First Tee of Louisville, Golf Course Builders Association of America Foundation and the Kentucky Golf Foundation.
Kirchdorfer is joined by David Novak, the co-founder and former chairman and CEO of YUM! Brands and current CEO of David Novak Leadership; president and CEO of Bridgeman Foods and former independent director of the PGA of America, Junior Bridgeman; and president and CEO of Musselman Hotels, Chester Musselman.
“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,” said Jim Richerson, PGA of America President. “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.”
“Valhalla is the crown jewel of Kentucky golf. David, Junior, Ches and I are proud to return the club to local ownership as its ongoing success is important to our community,” said Kirchdorfer. “As long-time members of Valhalla, we are honored to be chosen as stewards of this iconic property and are grateful for everything the PGA has done for our club. We look forward to hosting the 2024 PGA Championship and partnering with the PGA for many years to come.”
Designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus and opened in 1986, Valhalla has established itself as one of golf’s memorable stages. The 106th PGA Championship will be the fourth contested at Valhalla, tying it with Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York, for the second-most all-time. Rory McIlroy (2014), Tiger Woods (2000) and Mark Brooks (1996) have hoisted the famed Wanamaker Trophy at Valhalla.
Richerson continued, “Valhalla Golf Club has proven itself to be a wonderful test of championship golf, one that is as fair as it is challenging for the top golfers in the world. We look forward to partnering with the new ownership group on a highly-anticipated 2024 PGA Championship and working with the new owners to continue to have it as one of our championship sites.”
