Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania has a storied history. It was founded in 1896 and designed by World Golf Hall of Famer Donald Ross. It hosted the 1962 PGA Championship won by another World Golf Hall of Fame Member, Gary Player, and the 2003 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, won by John Jacobs. It hosted the 1977 U.S. Amateur and the 1997 U.S. Junior Amateur. It’s hosted a PGA Tour event 3 times since 2010.
In less than two weeks, Aronimink Golf Club will add to that storied history when the 2020 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship visits a suburb of Philadelphia. And Jeff Kiddie, the PGA Head Professional at Aronimink Golf Club, can’t wait.
“We couldn’t be more excited to host the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship,” said Kiddie. “It’s been part of the Club and who we are to host Championships. And to host a Championship for the first time is pretty exciting.”
And this isn’t the first time that Kiddie has worked at a facility that’s hosted the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.
“I’ve had the privilege now of working at three clubs that have hosted what’s now the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. I worked at both Locust Hill Country Club and Monroe Golf Club in Rochester [New York]. That’s pretty cool.”
Kiddie believes that Aronimink will present a unique test for the world’s best.
“It’s just a really traditional, classic golf course. And by the October time frame it will hopefully lead to firm and fast conditions,” said Kiddie. “I hope they get to see just how special it is.”
It will also be a special experience for spectators.
“I hope the fans view it as special as we do. We’re a big property with plenty of room to spectate,” said Kiddie, who’s in his 13th year at Aronimink Golf Club. “It will be a great viewing experience for all the fans and all of the volunteers.”
As a PGA Member, Kiddie takes great pride in hosting major events and the membership at Aronimink is ready to host the best LPGA players in a few short months.
“It’s actually been pretty incredible,” said Kiddie. “This will be our fourth large event since 2010. Our members have been really supportive and it’s been refreshing to see.”
The Championship was originally scheduled to be played in June, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was postponed to early October.
