SPRINGFIELD, N.J. – The mantra for the 98th PGA Championship will be simple: hang on for dear life over the first 16 holes and make up for lost ground over the final two holes.
The advice derives from the basic character of Baltusrol Golf Club’s Lower Course, home to the PGA on July 28-31. Unlike any other major golf venue, Baltusrol offers the possibility of delayed redemption: the only par 5s are Nos. 17 and 18. Members and guests play the first and seventh holes as par 5s, but the world’s best players won’t. The 7,428-yard layout clocks in as a par 70 (76.