12 Facts About The PGA Championship You Didn’t Know
With a rich history spanning over a century, the PGA Championship stands as one of golf’s most prestigious major championships, showcasing the skill and resilience of the world’s top professional golfers.
From legendary victories to heart-stopping playoffs, delve into these lesser-known facts that illuminate the captivating allure and enduring legacy of this esteemed event.
Four-Timer
Valhalla’s fourth hosting of the PGA Championship elevates it into esteemed company. Only Southern Hills (5) and Oak Hill (4) share this distinction, highlighting the course’s enduring legacy in championship golf.
New York, New York
With Oak Hill hosting in 2023, New York has now hosted 13 PGA Championships, leading the pack. Ohio follows closely with 11, making them the only states to have held over 10 championships in the major’s history.
Playoff Prone
Valhalla’s inaugural PGA Championship witnessed a thrilling playoff, with Mark Brooks edging out Kenny Perry. The following championship saw Tiger Woods fend off Bob May. Only one other venue, Whistling Straits, has hosted multiple PGA Championship playoffs.
Playoff Promise
Keeping with the Playoff topic, Justin Thomas’ 2023 playoff triumph over Will Zalatoris marked the 14th playoff in PGA Championship history. Notably, from 1977 to 1979, the event witnessed three consecutive playoffs, adding to its drama and legacy.
Lucky #17
Throughout PGA Championship history, 17 players have achieved the remarkable feat of carding a 63, spanning from 1975 to 2022. Notably, Southern Hills Country Club witnessed three of these, the highest among all courses, with five of these players clinching victory.
Wannamaker Trophy Replica?
Crafted by Dieges & Clust of New York City in 1916, the Wanamaker Trophy mirrors the prestige of the PGA Championship. Winners receive a replica to keep, while the original must be returned. Lost briefly, it resurfaced in 1930, reminding champions of its historical significance.
No Amateurs Allowed!
The PGA Championship exclusively welcomes professional golfers, barring amateurs from qualification.
All-Time Tournament
The upcoming 106th PGA Championship continues a storied tradition dating back 108 years. Interruptions occurred during both World War I in 1917 and World War II in 1943, halting the event’s legacy.
Show Me The Money!
Jim Barnes clinched victory in the inaugural PGA Championship in 1916, pocketing $500 at Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, N.Y. Adjusted for inflation, that amounts to approximately $13,915. In contrast, Justin Thomas’ 2023 win netted him $2,700,000, showcasing the tournament’s remarkable growth over the years.
Match Play?
From 1916 to 1957, excluding years disrupted by World War I and II, the PGA Championship adopted a match-play format. Beginning with 32 players, it expanded to 128 by 1957, culminating in a demanding nine-round, five-day spectacle. Transitioning to stroke play in 1958, the event introduced two cuts.
Green Jacket Hex
Fresh off a Masters victory, Scheffler enters as a top contender. Yet, recent trends pose challenges. Half of the last eight Masters winners missed the PGA cut, none landing in the top 20.
Brooks Cooks the Books
Defending champion Brooks Koepka boasts an impressive record, clinching three of the last six PGA Championships. His triumphs place him among golf’s elite, alongside legends like Nicklaus, Hagen, Woods, Sarazen, and Snead. Koepka’s career earnings of $9,338,764 in the PGA Championship stand as the highest in history.
