Aronimink Golf Club, a prestigious private club nestled just west of Philadelphia, has a fascinating history with the PGA Championship that goes far beyond its recent selection as the 2026 host. Did you know the club was originally slated to host the tournament way back in 1993? It's a story that reveals a pivotal moment in golf's journey toward inclusivity.

In 1988, Aronimink was awarded the 1993 PGA Championship, a natural choice given its classic Donald Ross design and rich tradition. However, the golf world was about to change. Just before the 1990 Championship at Shoal Creek in Alabama, the event was rocked by charges of racial discrimination. This sparked a major shift in the sport's landscape.

In response, the PGA of America, along with other major golf organizations, adopted new, strict guidelines. Any club hosting their tournaments would now be required to have open membership policies—meaning no discriminatory practices in who could join. This was a game-changer for private clubs across the country.

Jim Awtrey, then the PGA's executive director (who later became its CEO), vividly remembers the tense meetings that followed. He recalled sitting down with all of the future venues that were already on the books. Among them was Aronimink. The club, facing the new mandate, ultimately made the difficult decision to withdraw from hosting the 1993 event.

This decision, while disappointing at the time, set a new standard for the sport. It paved the way for a more inclusive game, ensuring that major championships would be played on grounds open to all. Now, with Aronimink set to welcome the world in 2026, its return to the PGA spotlight is a powerful reminder of how far the game has come—and a testament to the enduring legacy of a club that helped shape that change.