The PGA Championship is one of the four major championships in professional golf, along with the Masters, the U.S. Open, and the Open Championship. It is organized by the Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA of America) and is typically held in mid-May each year. The tournament has a rich history, featuring some of the most iconic moments and greatest players in the sport.
History of the PGA Championship
The first PGA Championship was held in 1916, making it one of the oldest professional golf tournaments in the world. The inaugural event was won by Jim Barnes, a British golfer who defeated Jock Hutchison in the final round.
Over the years, the tournament has seen many changes in its format, course locations, and prize money. It has also become one of the most prestigious events in the sport, attracting some of the world’s top golfers.
Course Design
The PGA Championship has been played on a variety of courses throughout its history, ranging from classic parkland courses to more modern, links-style layouts. Some of the most famous courses that have hosted the tournament include Oak Hill Country Club, Baltusrol Golf Club, and Valhalla Golf Club.
One of the unique features of the PGA Championship is that it allows the course to be set up in a way that challenges the golfers’ skills and abilities. The rough is often thick and penalizing, while the greens are typically fast and undulating. This creates a test of both skill and mental toughness for the players.
Key Moments in History
The PGA Championship has produced some of the most memorable moments in golf history. One of the most iconic moments came in 1991 when John Daly, a relatively unknown player at the time, won the tournament as a ninth alternate. Daly had only been playing on the PGA Tour for a year and had never won a major tournament before. He overcame the odds and shocked the world with his stunning victory.
Another memorable moment came in 2000, when Tiger Woods won the PGA Championship by a record-breaking margin of 15 strokes. Woods was at the peak of his career at the time and dominated the field with his exceptional play.
In 2019, Brooks Koepka became only the third player in history to win the PGA Championship in consecutive years, joining Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus. Koepka held off a charging Dustin Johnson to win by two strokes and cement his place in golf history.
Overcoming Setbacks
The PGA Championship has also seen its fair share of players overcoming setbacks to win the tournament. One of the most notable examples came in 1960 when Arnold Palmer won the tournament after trailing by seven strokes with just nine holes to play. Palmer played some of the most remarkable golf of his career, making six birdies over the final nine holes to win by two strokes.
In 1995, Steve Elkington won the PGA Championship after overcoming a serious injury. Elkington had suffered a broken left hand earlier in the year and was unsure if he would be able to play in the tournament. He played through the pain and produced a brilliant performance to win his first and only major championship.
Conclusion
The PGA Championship is a tournament steeped in history and tradition. It has produced some of the greatest moments and players in the sport and continues to be a highlight of the golfing calendar. From its unique course design to its unforgettable moments and inspiring comebacks, the PGA Championship remains one of the most prestigious events in professional golf.
