PGA Championship

PGA Championship is one of the four major championships in men's professional golf, administered by the Professional Golfers' Association of America. First contested in 1916, it is traditionally held in mid-May and features a field primarily comprised of club professionals and touring professionals. The tournament is known for its challenging setups on some of the most demanding courses in the United States, with a winner's share of the purse and the Wanamaker Trophy as the coveted prize.

History

The idea for the tournament was conceived by department store magnate Rodman Wanamaker, who sought to elevate the status of professional golfers. The inaugural event in 1916 at Siwanoy Country Club was won by Jim Barnes. Following a hiatus during World War I, the event resumed and was originally a match play competition until switching to stroke play in 1958. Key historical moments include Gene Sarazen becoming the youngest winner in 1922, the dominance of Walter Hagen and Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods' dramatic victory in 1999 at Medinah Country Club. The championship has been pivotal in the careers of legends like Sam Snead, Ben Hogan, and Gary Player.

Format

The tournament is a 72-hole stroke play event contested over four days, typically from Thursday to Sunday. A cut is made after 36 holes, with the top 70 players and ties advancing to the final two rounds. In the event of a tie after 72 holes, a three-hole aggregate playoff is used, followed by sudden death if necessary. The field of 156 players is filled through a variety of qualification categories, including past champions, recent major winners, top finishers in other majors, members of the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup teams, and leading players on the PGA Tour money list and Official World Golf Ranking.

Venues

The event is staged at various prestigious courses across the United States, with a strong preference for classic, tree-lined layouts that present a severe test. Notable regular venues include Southern Hills Country Club, Oak Hill Country Club, Baltusrol Golf Club, and Valhalla Golf Club. The 2024 edition was held at Quail Hollow Club. Future sites are selected years in advance, with championships scheduled for historic clubs like Sahalee Country Club and Congressional Country Club. The PGA of America oversees all course setup and preparation, ensuring consistently difficult conditions.

Records and statistics

Jack Nicklaus and Walter Hagen hold the record for most victories, with five each. Nicklaus also holds the record for most runner-up finishes. The lowest 72-hole score is 264, set by Xander Schauffele at Valhalla Golf Club in 2024. The lowest single-round score is 63, achieved by several players including Bruce Crampton, Raymond Floyd, and Tiger Woods. Gene Sarazen remains the youngest winner at age 20, while Julius Boros is the oldest. Brooks Koepka won back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019, a feat also accomplished by Tiger Woods and Denny Shute.

Winners

The list of champions includes many of the greatest players in golf history. Early winners were often club professionals, but since the mid-20th century, touring professionals have dominated. Multiple winners include Walter Hagen, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Gene Sarazen, and Sam Snead. International winners have become more common, with victories from Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland, Jason Day of Australia, and Collin Morikawa of the United States. The most recent champion is Xander Schauffele, who claimed his first major title in 2024.