About the PGA Championship
The PGA Championship, one of golf’s four major championships, stands as a test of skill, strategy, and mental fortitude for the world’s best players. Organized by the Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA of America), it holds a unique place in the golfing calendar, typically held in May after being moved from its traditional August slot in 2019. This scheduling shift allows for a more balanced major championship season.
Unlike the other majors, the PGA Championship extends invitations to a broader range of golfers, including the top 100 players in the Official World Golf Ranking, PGA Club Professionals who finish high in the PGA Professional Championship, and other select professionals. This commitment to inclusivity gives club professionals a chance to compete alongside the game’s elite, fostering a unique blend of talent and experience.
The tournament format is a standard 72-hole stroke play event. After 36 holes, the field is cut to the top 70 players and ties, ensuring that only the most consistent performers compete on the weekend. The winner is awarded the Wanamaker Trophy, a massive and impressive symbol of golfing prowess. They also receive a lifetime exemption to the PGA Championship, a five-year exemption to the other three majors (the Masters Tournament, the U.S. Open, and The Open Championship), and a five-year exemption on the PGA Tour.
The PGA Championship’s history is rich and varied, dating back to 1916. Over the years, it has been played on some of the most challenging and prestigious courses in the United States. The PGA of America often selects venues that offer a stern test of golf, emphasizing length, accuracy, and strategic course management. Famous courses such as Oak Hill Country Club, Southern Hills Country Club, and Bethpage Black have hosted the championship, each presenting unique challenges to the competitors.
Beyond the competition on the course, the PGA Championship contributes significantly to the local economies of the host cities. It draws large crowds of spectators, generates media attention, and provides opportunities for businesses in the surrounding areas. The PGA of America also uses the championship as a platform to promote its broader mission of growing the game of golf and supporting PGA Professionals across the country.
The PGA Championship remains a vital and compelling event in the world of golf, showcasing the talents of both established stars and rising players, and serving as a testament to the enduring appeal of the sport.