Golf’s top players will hit the links at Bellerive Country Club this weekend for the final major tournament of 2018. Over 150 men will compete for the title and tour glory in the tournament’s centennial year. But with stars like Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods making up the playing field, PGA Championship ticket prices are soaring to new heights.
According to Ticket Club data, 2018 PGA Championship ticket prices are the highest in recent years. A pass to Thursday’s early round action is over $100 while both Saturday and Sunday passes are going for upwards of $200 apiece. This is in stark contrast to four years ago, when a Thursday pass was under $50. The following year, a Sunday pass cost buyers roughly $70. See how the prices have evolved over the past six years in the table below.
Average PGA Championship Ticket Prices Year-Over-Year
| Year | Thursday Competition | Friday Competition | Saturday Competition | Sunday Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | $72.67 | $94.19 | $114.70 | $100.63 |
| 2013 | $62.88 | $83.85 | $103.04 | $112.29 |
| 2014 | $46.62 | $77.26 | $110.26 | $98.77 |
| 2015 | $67.08 | $67.47 | $66.55 | $69.88 |
| 2016 | $92.66 | $89.11 | $112.81 | $107.32 |
| 2017 | $115.92 | $139.14 | $162.71 | $141.75 |
| 2018 | $103.32 | $150.21 | $198.74 | $195.02 |
*prices accurate as of August 7, 2018
Despite prices falling each year from 2012 to 2015, they have steadily been on the rise since. But what exactly is driving up the cost? The playing field certainly proves to be a factor – namely, one Tiger Woods. The 14-time major winner is in the midst of his comeback effort after a tumultuous decade riddled with infamous personal and legal troubles, injury and constant questioning over the future of his legendary career.
He gave fans a glimmer of hope that he could add to his impressive trophy collection this season. Tiger had promising showings at the Masters and The Open Championship, finishing five under par at the latter. Entering the PGA Championship, Dustin Johnson and Justin Thomas are among the heavy favorites but when Tiger tees off at any tournament, it’s guaranteed that he will draw an excited crowd and in turn, high demand for tickets. Add in the fact that this will be Tiger’s first run at the tournament in three years, and you’ve got one of the most anticipated sporting events on the calendar. For that reason alone, one can expect ticket to go for big bucks.
While PGA Championship ticket prices are heading on an upward trend, it remains the most affordable major for golf fanatics. Of the three major tournaments held on American courses, it features the lowest ticket prices on average. Unsurprisingly, the Masters boasts the most expensive pass – by well over $1,000 – to historic Augusta National Golf Course, whereas the U.S. Open has seen passes consistently go for over $100 the past few years.
Year-Over-Year Average Ticket Prices of U.S.-Based Majors
| Year | Masters Tournament | U.S. Open | PGA Championship |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | $1,124.69 | $191.13 | $67.75 |
| 2016 | $1,219.59 | $109.32 | $100.05 |
| 2017 | $1,334.44 | $113.12 | $139.88 |
| 2018 | $1,490.33 | $173.22 | $161.82 |
*average prices based on all four days of competition
True golf aficionados know that the PGA Championship have also proven to be a telling preview of what’s to come the following season, another factor that potentially drives up ticket prices. While Justin Thomas hoisted the trophy at Quail Hollow Club last year, runner-ups Patrick Reed and Francesco Molinari were equally impressive. They proved their talent on the course and ran up their rankings following the tournament. The 2017 PGA Championship set the tone for their 2018 season in a big way. Reed and Molinari enter this year’s tournament as the current Masters and Open Championship winners, respectively.
Other notable players filling up the field are Brooks Koepka, Rickie Fowler, Justin Rose, Jason Day and Jon Rahm.
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