Sky Sports commentator calls for PGA Championship to leave America

Every single one of the 107 editions of the PGA Championship to date have been staged in the United States of America.

However, if one of the game’s most prominent voices was to get his way, it would pack its bags and go travelling.

During the final round TV coverage of this year’s championship at Quail Hollow, Sky Sports commentator Ewen Murray shared his belief that the second men’s major of the season should be played around the world.

“It’s a championship I’d like to see move around the world,” said Murray.

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“It would be lovely to have the PGA down there in Australia. Maybe one over in Asia. South Africa, with its involvement, maybe should have a major every now and again

“And they can do that because the International Federation of PGA Tours is global, it’s worldwide.”

Murray is by no means the first person to suggest the PGA go global. Many have previously suggested that it would give the championship the identity that it currently lacks.

The Masters is tethered to Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. The US Open is, by definition, “American”. The Open could feasibly travel but, given its status as the oldest of the four and the only one not currently played outside of the United States, there is less clamour for it to move around.

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However, the PGA, in theory, could move around more.

Just don’t expect it happen any time soon. For one thing, it is presided over by the PGA of America who are unlikely to want to give up ownership of its most valuable asset.

Secondly, all future venues are locked in up to and including the 2032 edition. So, the very earliest the championship could be staged outside the US is 2033.

But again, don’t bet on it.

Michael McEwan is bunkered's Head of Content and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Head of Content