The PGA of America has confirmed that the illustrious Oak Hill Country Club in New York, will host the 2035 PGA Championship, marking the fifth time this venerable course plays host to one of golf’s major stages. Known for its rugged challenges, classic design, and storied history, Oak Hill’s East Course has become a yardstick by which the game measures toughness and prestige.
Gov. Kathy Hochul joined PGA officials for the announcement, held from Bethpage Black (site of the upcoming Ryder Cup), emphasizing not just the sports significance but the broader regional pride. The Rochester area, still basking in the glow of hosting the PGA as recently as 2023, looks ahead to 2035 with high expectations.
“We are extremely grateful for our partnership with the PGA of America, and we are excited to bring the 2035 PGA Championship back to Oak Hill Country Club,” Ron Billitier, Oak Hill Country Club President, said. “The East Course, our membership, and the Greater Rochester community welcome the opportunity to test the World’s best golfers in an iconic and world-class setting here at Oak Hill.”
Historic Credentials
Oak Hill’s East Course has been the backdrop for many defining moments in golf. It has previously hosted the PGA Championship in 1980, 1995, 2003, 2013, and most recently in 2023. Its reputation has been built not simply on having hosted big events, but on how it challenges players: tough greens, demanding fairways, penal rough, and weather that can swing momentum in an instant.
“Having recently hosted our fourth PGA Championship on the restored East Course, we’re confident our fifth will set a new standard and honor a worthy champion,” Billitier said.
In addition to PGA events, Oak Hill has a rich portfolio of championships: U.S. Open, Senior Opens, Ryder Cup, the U.S. Amateur and others. For example, it will host the U.S. Amateur in 2027, and 10 years later in 2037, the U.S. Women’s Open, which will be the first women’s major to be played there. These repeated selections affirm the course’s place among America’s elite and its ability to adapt to the evolving demands of championship golf.
Economic Impact & Local Sentiment
Hosting a major golf championship is more than a badge of honor; it’s an economic engine. In 2023, Rochester benefited to the tune of approximately $190 million in direct and indirect economic impact tied to the PGA Championship: hotel bookings, restaurant traffic, construction expenses related to preparation, and wages related to event operations. These are substantial numbers, especially for local businesses and municipal infrastructure.
Oak Hill Country Club leadership, along with community representatives, view the 2035 assignment not only as an opportunity to showcase world-class golf but also to reinforce local pride and identity.
What’s at Stake
For players, Oak Hill represents one of the ultimate tests. The course’s demanding configuration has in past championships exposed small mistakes and rewarded precision, resilience, and strategic thinking. Those who can navigate its perilous bunkers, undulating greens, and shifting wind will likely emerge on top. The course isn’t just about raw distance or power; it’s about control, patience, and respect for what has come before.