What is the Difference Between the PGA Championship and the U.S. Open?

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