The PGA Championship and the U.S. Open are both major championships in golf, but they are known for very different styles, course setups, and atmospheres.
1. The U.S. Open is known for being much tougher
The U.S. Open is widely seen as the hardest major championship in golf. The USGA sets courses up to test every part of a player’s game with:
– Narrow fairways
– Thick rough
– Fast greens
– Difficult pin placements
It’s often more about surviving than scoring.
The PGA Championship is usually set up very differently. The PGA of America tends to favour a style that rewards aggressive golf and lower scores. Players are given more chances to attack pins, make birdies, and go on scoring runs, which often creates a more entertaining style of golf for fans.
2. The qualification process is much different
One of the most unique things about the U.S. Open is that it truly is open.
Professionals and amateurs can both try to qualify through local and sectional qualifying tournaments, if they have a low enough handicap. This regularly creates Cinderella stories and gives lesser-known golfers a chance to compete against the world’s best.
The PGA Championship is far more exclusive. Its field is mainly made up of top-ranked players in the world, past champions, major winners and PGA of America club professionals. Only around 20 PGA club professionals usually make the field each year.
3. The courses are a completely different style
The U.S. Open often returns to traditional championship venues that are designed to expose weaknesses in every area of a golfer’s game.
Some of the most famous examples include:
– Oakmont Country Club
– Shinnecock Hills Golf Club
– Winged Foot Golf Club
– Pinehurst No. 2
These courses are known for being narrow, strategic, and punishing.
The PGA Championship usually leans toward modern venues built to handle massive crowds and long-hitting players.
Examples include:
– Whistling Straits
– Kiawah Island Golf Resort
– Valhalla Golf Club
– Quail Hollow Club
4. The PGA Championship often rewards power more
In recent years, the PGA Championship has generally favoured long hitters and aggressive scorers. Longer courses, softer conditions, and receptive greens allow elite players to attack flags and overpower layouts.
The U.S. Open demands something different. Success usually comes down to accuracy, patience, mental toughness and scrambling ability.
5. The atmosphere feels completely different
The U.S. Open has a reputation for tradition, discipline, and toughness. Many players see it as golf’s ultimate test.
The PGA Championship has gradually become a more modern and fan-friendly major with louder crowds, more birdies, more entertainment value and easier viewing for spectators. It also tends to produce dramatic Sunday shootouts more often than the grinding finishes associated with the U.S. Open.
Winning scores over the last 10 years
Year
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
U.S. Open
-16
+1
-13
-6
-6
-6
-10
-6
-1
/
PGA
-8
-16
-8
-13
-6
-5
-9
-21
-11
-9
Will Buttleman is VPAR’s Social Media and Events Manager.
A former professional cricketer, Will played for Essex County Cricket Club from 2018 to 2023 before joining the VPAR team in 2024. During his cricket career, he competed in First Class, List A, and T20 matches, contributing to the club’s recent successes.
Now, Will’s focus has shifted to golf. He plays off a VPAR Handicap of 4.5 and is aiming to reach scratch in the near future. His favourite course is Poppy Hills, a hidden gem just above Pebble Beach, and his top venue to work at is Waterville Golf Links in County Kerry, Ireland.
Whether you’re seeking top golfing destinations, a fresh perspective on the ever-changing professional game, or betting tips for major events, Will offers valuable insights. For him, golf is more than just a sport – it’s a lifestyle, and he loves sharing that passion with the VPAR community.
