The PGA Championship, one of the four elite tournaments that make up professional golf’s “Grand Slam,” boasts a history dating back to 1916. This premier annual event draws the world’s best golfers, all of whom will be vying for the prestigious Wanamaker Trophy. Over the years, the tournament has evolved significantly, adapting its format and navigating challenges, including interruptions due to global conflicts.
The PGA Championship has been held annually since it was first founded. In fact, it has only been paused twice during World War I and World War II. These breaks serve as a testament to the tournament’s endurance and adherence to tradition, as it picked back up after each war. The championship has consistently been one of the highest rated events on the PGA Tour. It sits regally right next to The Masters, U.S. Open, and The Open Championship.
At first, the PGA Championship featured a match-play format. Players competed against each other in one-on-one matches. This structure was so compelling that it won the competition until 1958 when officials moved to stroke play format. That conversion made their game a little easier to digest with a much simpler calculus for scoring, and it has been widely adopted by players and fans.
The Wanamaker Trophy, named after Philadelphia department store mogul and PGA founder Rodman Wanamaker, is the championship’s most prestigious trophy. The trophy represents the best in golf and is bestowed upon the champion every year. Claiming victory at the PGA Championship earns more than a coveted trophy, it solidifies a golfer’s legacy and history in the sport.
Over the years, the PGA Championship has provided thrilling moments as storied competitors helped write golf history before our very eyes. Legends of the game have passionately battled for the crown. They have proven themselves on the most difficult and revered golf courses in the world. As the tournament enters a new era, it is sure to provide exciting competition and memorable moments for generations.
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