When golf course architect Gil Hanse was tasked with restoring Aronimink Golf Club for the 108th PGA Championship, he knew he was stepping into the shoes of a legend. Donald Ross, the famed Scottish-born designer behind iconic courses like Pinehurst No. 2, once called Aronimink his "masterpiece"—and he wasn't shy about it.

Two decades after laying out the course on rugged Pennsylvania farmland, Ross returned to see his creation in full bloom. "I intended to make this my masterpiece, but not until today did I realize that I built it better than I knew," he said, beaming with pride. That sentiment still echoes through the fairways today.

Set in Newtown Square, Pa., Aronimink is a classic Ross design known for its undulating terrain, strategic bunkering, and greens that demand precision. Hanse's restoration brought back the course's original character, including all 174 bunkers, while ensuring it could challenge the world's best players. The result is a "sympathetic" update—one that honors Ross's vision while preparing the course for championship glory.

For golf fans and players alike, Aronimink represents the perfect blend of history and modern competition. And for those who appreciate the finer details of the game—from the clubhouse views to the subtle breaks on the greens—it's a course that tells a story with every shot.