Watch PGA Championship Online

PGA Championship History

The PGA championship tournament was not conceived by a touring professional or an association executive. It was the brainchild of a department store owner by the name of Rodman Wanamaker. He realized that there was an incredible amount of merchandising possibilities when linked to a professional golfers organization. On January 17, 1916, Wanamaker invited a group of common golfers and leading industry representatives to a luncheon at the tableau club in New York City. This group of 35 people included the legendary Walter Hagan and this historic meeting resulted in the creation of the PGA (Professional Golfers Association) of America.

It was Wanamaker's idea to create an all professional tournament modeled after the PGA championship of Great Britain, a 36-hole match-play elimination contest. He offered up $2,500 and various trophies and medals as part of the prize fund. The first PGA Championship was played at Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, N.Y. seven months later. British-born professional Jim Barnes and Jock Hutchison, a native of St. Andrews, Scotland, played in the final match of the inaugural PGA Championship. Barnes emerged a 1-up victor.

The PGA Championship was put on hold for two years because of World War I. It was resumed in 1919, at the Engineers Country Club in Roslyn, N.Y. Barnes was again the champion. The following year, Hutchison avenged his defeat, becoming the last internationally born winner for a decade. Now, every summer, a field of international professionals competes for the Wanamaker trophy named in honor of the tournament creator.

History | The Course | Past Champions | Internet Broadcast

Home | Sitemap | Contact | Privacy Policy