Honestly, the scramble for 2026 PGA Championship tickets has already turned into a bit of a frenzy. We are talking about a major return to the Philadelphia region, specifically to the legendary Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square. If you haven't been keeping track, this isn't just another tournament. It is the 108th playing of the PGA Championship, and it coincides with the 250th anniversary of the United States. Philly is going to be absolutely packed in 2026.
People usually assume they can just "buy a ticket" whenever they feel like it. That is a massive mistake. The primary ticket registry sale already happened, and the official site currently shows that Championship+ Grounds Tickets for the most popular days—Thursday through Sunday—are officially sold out at the primary level.
The Reality of the "Sold Out" Status
When a golf tournament says it is sold out, it usually means the primary inventory from the PGA of America is gone. But for the 2026 PGA Championship, there are still ways in. You just have to be smart about which door you use. Right now, if you want to be there for the weekend drama, you are looking at the verified resale market. SeatGeek is the official partner for this, so that’s where the "real" secondary tickets live.
Don't panic yet. Practice round tickets for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are often still floating around. These are actually a sleeper hit for real fans. Why? Because you can actually see the players. No ropes. No 10-deep crowds. You can watch Scottie Scheffler or Rory McIlroy literally grinding over a 6-foot putt while they joke with their caddies.
What is "Championship+" Anyway?
The PGA changed the game a few years ago with their Championship+ ticket model. Basically, your ticket isn't just a pass to walk the grass. It is an all-you-can-eat pass. Well, sort of. It includes "inclusive food and non-alcoholic beverages."
- The Perks: You can walk up to concessions and grab an entree, a snack, and a drink.
- The Catch: You can do this as many times as you want, but you have to do it in "visits."
- The Vibe: No more carrying $50 in cash just to get a burger and a soda for the family.
It is a decent deal when you consider that a stadium beer usually costs as much as a small car these days. However, alcoholic drinks are still an extra cost. Keep that in mind for your budget.
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Breaking Down the Costs
If you are looking at the secondary market, prices fluctuate wildly. For the Thursday round, I've seen some starting around $260. If you want to be there on Sunday when the Wanamaker Trophy is hoisted, expect that number to climb significantly.
There are also the Club PGA Hospitality Tickets. These are the "fancy" ones. We're talking air conditioning, chef-inspired menus, and an open bar. These generally start around $1,000 to $1,100 per day. It sounds steep, but for a corporate outing or a bucket-list trip, the executive restrooms alone are sometimes worth it.
The Junior and Military "Secret"
One of the coolest things about the PGA Championship that most people overlook is their admission policy for kids and veterans.
Juniors (15 and under) get in for free.
Seriously.
As long as they are with a ticketed adult, you can bring up to two kids per day. The best part? This applies even if the day is sold out. You don't buy these in advance; you just show up at the gate and get the junior ticket on-site.
For the military, it’s a similar win. Active duty, retirees, and veterans can get complimentary grounds access through the GOVX verification process. It isn't a "show your ID at the gate" thing anymore, though. You have to register through GOVX, get a code, and then claim that code on SeatGeek. It’s a bit of a digital hoop to jump through, but it saves you hundreds of dollars.
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Why Aronimink Matters
Aronimink is a Donald Ross masterpiece. He famously called it his "masterpiece" back in 1948. It’s a big, beefy course that hosted the 1962 PGA (won by Gary Player) and more recently the 2020 KPMG Women’s PGA. It is the first venue to host all three of the PGA of America’s rotating majors.
The 108th PGA Championship at Aronimink is going to be a "big ballpark" feel. The par-4s are long and the greens are undulating. If the wind picks up in Newtown Square, these guys are going to be fighting for their lives.
Travel and Logistics
If you are coming from out of town, don't just look at hotels in Newtown Square. There aren't many. You’re likely looking at staying in Center City Philly or maybe King of Prussia. On Location is the official travel partner, and they offer packages that bundle the 2026 PGA Championship tickets with hotel stays and shuttles. These packages aren't cheap—often starting around $1,300 for a single day or up to $4,000 for the full tournament—but they solve the "where do I park" nightmare.
Parking at major golf tournaments is usually a shuttle-from-a-remote-lot situation. Unless you have a specific parking pass, don't expect to drive up to the front gate.
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Actionable Next Steps
If you are serious about going, here is exactly what you should do right now:
- Check the Official Resale: Go to SeatGeek and filter by the specific day you want. Monday and Tuesday are the cheapest; Sunday is the most expensive.
- Verify your GOVX status: If you’re military, do this today. The inventory for these free tickets is limited and it is first-come, first-served.
- Plan the "Junior" strategy: If you have kids, don't buy them tickets. Just buy yours and get theirs at the gate.
- Download the PGA Championship App: This is where your tickets will live. They use rotating barcodes, so a screenshot won't work at the gate.
This tournament is going to be one of the biggest sporting events in Philly's history. Between the 250th anniversary and the World Cup also hitting the city in 2026, the demand for tickets is only going to go up as we get closer to May 11–17. Secure your spot before the prices hit the stratosphere.