PGA Championship

Origins & History

The PGA Championship, first contested in 1916, was born from the vision of department store magnate Rodman Wanamaker, who sought to elevate the status of professional golfers in an era dominated by amateurs. The inaugural championship was played at Siwanoy Country Club in New York and featured a match-play format, with Jim Barnes emerging as the first champion.

For decades, the championship retained its match-play identity, producing dramatic head-to-head duels that tested endurance as much as skill. However, in 1958, the format shifted permanently to stroke play, aligning the tournament with the other major championships and ushering in a new era of global competitiveness.

Unlike the tradition-heavy Masters or the elemental purity of The Open, the PGA Championship has evolved into the most modern of the four majors. It is defined by accessibility and inclusivity, most notably through its unique field composition, which reserves places for 20 PGA of America club professionals—ensuring that the championship remains deeply connected to the game’s grassroots foundation while showcasing its elite talent.

Locations

The PGA Championship travels across the United States, showcasing a diverse and ever-expanding collection of world-class venues. Unlike the U.S. Open’s punishing philosophy or The Masters’ permanent home, the PGA embraces variety, often selecting modern championship layouts capable of testing power, precision, and adaptability.

Iconic venues such as Whistling Straits, Baltusrol, Oak Hill, and Southern Hills have hosted the championship, each bringing a distinct architectural identity. From windswept links-style layouts along Lake Michigan to tree-lined classical designs, the PGA Championship reflects the evolving face of American golf course architecture.

This flexible rotation allows the championship to continually adapt to the modern game, ensuring that the course setup rewards aggressive play while still demanding strategic discipline. The venues do not merely host the tournament—they shape its tone, often favoring players who combine power with relentless scoring ability.

The Deepest Field

The defining characteristic of the PGA Championship is the unparalleled strength and depth of its field. While other majors may restrict entry through tradition or qualification systems, the PGA assembles a field that consistently features the highest concentration of the world’s top-ranked players.

This inclusivity extends beyond the elite, as the presence of PGA club professionals injects a unique and compelling dynamic into the championship. These players, often working full-time in teaching and club operations, earn their place through qualification and compete alongside the sport’s biggest stars—embodying the spirit and accessibility of the game.

The result is a championship where scoring is often lower, pressure is constant, and momentum shifts rapidly. Victory at the PGA Championship requires not only resilience but the ability to outplay the deepest and most competitive field in golf over four relentless days.

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