PGA, Atlanta Athletic Club continue relationship

To which the Athletic Club's Tom Adderhold, the tournament's general chairman, said, "We have Joe on tape saying they'd love to return here."

Steranka wasn't quite ready to announce the Athletic Club for a future site; the PGA Championship is booked through 2016. He said, "We've got a lot of work to do between now and next year, so ask me again a year from now."

The Athletic Club has left already stated it would like to host another PGA Championship, maybe not even waiting 10 years in between. The club would also like a shot at bidding for the 2024 Ryder Cup, the next available slot on that schedule.

"Golf is a full part of their culture," Steranka said of the club. "You think a club would have a hard time maintaining that level over passion over decades, but that's what the modern-day leadership here continues to do today."

The 2011 PGA Championship will mark the third time the organization has held its signature event at the Athletic Club. Hometown favorite Larry Nelson of Marietta won in 1981 and David Toms beat Phil Mickelson in dramatic fashion in 2001.

"The Athletic Club has demonstrated to us they don't take the opportunity to host one of these events that are part of golf history for granted," Steranka said. "That's one thing we look for."

When the PGA finds a quality location, it has a history of sticking with it. Whistling Straits, which is hosting the 2010 PGA, hosted the PGA Championship in 2004 and will again host in 2015; it has the Ryder Cup in 2020. Hazeltine was the host for the PGA Championship in 2002 and 2009 and is site of the 2016 Ryder Cup. Oak Hill hosted in 2003 and will host again in 2013..

"No club in America has the physical structure that's more uniquely suited to handle one of the largest events in sports," Steranka said of the AAC. "From a physical standpoint, it makes it easy to present the championship the way we want to do it. And from the hospitality standpoint, they're welcoming you into their home. That's the Atlanta hospitality that they're known for worldwide."

The 2011 PGA Championship has a variety of ticket packages designed to fit most budgets, from $25 tickets for practice rounds to a $285 week-long grounds pass. The week-long Wanamaker Club pass, which sells for $550, enables the user to have access to an air-conditioned pavilion with televisions, food and beverage. The PGA will again offer free parking and shuttle service.

The biggest change regarding ticket policy is free admission for juniors 17 and younger. Each ticketed adult will be allowed up to four junior admissions at no additional charge.

"The economy is tough, but we're trying to structure it where an average family can bring their kids out," Adderhold said. "The lifeblood of golf is its juniors. We're hoping they'll come out and continue to play."

Tickets information is available at www.pga.com or by calling 800-PGA-GOLF. Officials expect the event to sell out.