PGA of America

PGA of America
Name	PGA of America
Founded	10 April 1916
Location	Frisco, Texas, U.S.
Key people	John Lindert (President), Seth Waugh (CEO)
Focus	Professional golf
Website	https://www.pga.org/

PGA of America. The Professional Golfers' Association of America is one of the world's largest sports organizations, composed of nearly 29,000 men and women golf professionals dedicated to promoting the game and the profession. Founded in 1916, it is distinct from the PGA Tour, focusing primarily on the education and certification of golf professionals, the administration of major championships, and growing participation in the sport. The association operates some of golf's most prestigious events, including the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup when held in the United States, and is headquartered at its new home, PGA Frisco, in Texas.

History

The organization was established on April 10, 1916, following a luncheon at the Taplow Club in New York City organized by prominent department store magnate Rodman Wanamaker. The inaugural meeting included legendary figures like Walter Hagen and was followed by the first PGA Championship later that year at Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, New York. For much of its early history, it operated the premier tour for professional golfers, an entity that eventually evolved into the separate PGA Tour in 1968. A pivotal moment in its growth was the 1944 creation of the PGA Golf Professional of the Year award, honoring service to the profession. In 2014, the association moved its headquarters from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida to Frisco, Texas, opening the massive PGA Frisco campus in 2023 to serve as its new home and a major educational and tournament hub.

Organization and governance

The association is led by an elected President, currently John Lindert, and a Chief Executive Officer, Seth Waugh, who oversee a national staff and a board of directors. Its membership is divided into 41 regional PGA Sections across the United States, each with its own leadership and tournaments, such as the Southern California PGA and the Metropolitan PGA. Key governance bodies include the PGA of America Board of Directors and various national committees that set standards for education and tournament operations. The organization maintains strategic alliances with other major golf bodies, including The R&A, USGA, and Augusta National Golf Club, to govern the sport globally.

Major championships

The PGA of America is the sole organizer of the PGA Championship, one of the four men's major championships in professional golf, first contested in 1916. Since 2019, the event has been held in May and features the Wanamaker Trophy, named for founder Rodman Wanamaker. The association also co-organizes the Senior PGA Championship, the oldest major on the PGA Tour Champions, and the Women's PGA Championship, a major on the LPGA Tour operated in partnership with LPGA. These events are typically hosted at renowned courses like Southern Hills Country Club, Kiawah Island Golf Resort, and Oak Hill Country Club.

PGA Professional certification

The association's PGA Professional Golf Management program is a comprehensive educational and training system for aspiring golf professionals, requiring extensive coursework in areas like golf instruction, merchandising, and club management. Candidates must pass the PGA Playing Ability Test and complete a multi-level program that includes internships and seminars. Upon certification, members can attain advanced certifications like Certified PGA Professional in specialized fields such as teaching or golf operations. This program is administered through PGA University and is designed to elevate the standards of professionals working at facilities like Medinah Country Club or public golf courses nationwide.

Ryder Cup involvement

The PGA of America is a founding partner of the Ryder Cup, the biennial team competition between the United States and Europe, and serves as the sole administrator for the U.S. team when the event is held on American soil. The association selects the U.S. team captain, such as Zach Johnson in 2023, and is responsible for all team operations, including player selection through a points system and captain's picks. Notable U.S. victories under its administration include the 2021 win at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin. The event is a joint venture with Ryder Cup Europe, which is represented by the PGA European Tour and the Professional Golfers' Association of Great Britain and Ireland.

PGA of America Golf Properties

The association owns and operates a portfolio of premier golf facilities dedicated to hosting its championships and promoting the game. Its flagship property is PGA Frisco in Texas, which features two championship courses designed by Gil Hanse and Beau Welling and serves as the global headquarters. Other key properties include the PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida, a public facility with multiple courses, and Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, which has hosted the PGA Championship and Ryder Cup. These properties also host significant events like the PGA Professional Championship and provide venues for member education and player development programs.

Category:Golf organizations in the United States Category:Professional sports associations Category:Organizations established in 1916