When did the PGA Championship become the second major of the season?
The PGA Championship moved from its traditional August slot to May in 2019, making it the second major of the season instead of the last. COVID-19 briefly disrupted this in 2020, pushing it back to August (after the U.S. Open but before the pandemic-delayed Masters). Since 2021, it’s settled back into its May position on the calendar, where it’s likely to stay.
Is this the PGA Tour championship?
No, this isn’t the championship of the PGA Tour. That would be The Players Championship (or the season-ending Tour Championship). This is the championship of the PGA of America – two separate organizations.
What’s the difference between the PGA of America and the PGA Tour?
There was originally just one PGA – the "of America" one, founded in 1916. In 1968, a split began that eventually created two distinct organizations: the PGA of America and the PGA Tour.
What does PGA stand for?
Professional Golfers’ Association. In the early 20th century, professional golfers weren’t highly regarded, so they naturally formed an organization to represent their interests.
Why did players split from the PGA of America?
The original golf pros were club professionals – the folks who sell merchandise, collect green fees, and give lessons at your local course. The better players among them also competed in tournaments.
As golf grew more popular and tournaments became lucrative, a new class of pros emerged who focused primarily on tournament play. If they held club positions at all, these were often ceremonial.
This created tension within the PGA of America, which was trying to represent two very different types of "golf pros." The breaking point? Money – specifically television rights fees. Tournament players like Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer wanted that money to increase tournament purses, while club pros wanted it in the PGA’s general fund. Eventually, the touring pros broke away to form what’s now the PGA Tour, while the PGA of America continued representing club professionals.
Why does the PGA of America still have a championship? And why is it a major?
The PGA of America kept its championship alive for many reasons, including the significant revenue it generates. The event has long been one of golf’s Big 4 majors, and golf strongly values tradition. While some consider The Players Championship (run by the PGA Tour) to be an unofficial fifth major, it’s unlikely to ever replace the PGA Championship’s major status.
Anything else about its history that sets the PGA apart?
The most distinctive aspect is that from 1916 through 1957, the PGA was a match-play tournament. There have been occasional suggestions to return to this format, but that’s unlikely to happen. Before its 2019 move to May, the PGA Championship was last held during this month in 1949, when Sam Snead won.
Why isn’t the PGA Championship match play?
Think about the worst-case scenario for TV networks: all the big-name players get eliminated early. If you’ve paid millions to broadcast the event, you don’t want two relatively unknown players in the final match.
What’s the name of the winner’s trophy?
It’s called the Wanamaker Trophy, named after Rodman Wanamaker, a department store magnate who played a key role in forming the PGA.
How do players qualify for the PGA Championship?
Based on the PGA’s 2025 qualifying criteria:
- All former PGA Championship winners
- Winners of the last five Masters (2021-25)
- Winners of the last five U.S. Opens (2020-24)
- Winners of the last five Open Championships (2019-24) [Note: canceled in 2020]
- Winners of the last three Players Championships (2023-25)
- Top three on the Official World Golf Ranking
- Winner of 2024 Senior PGA Championship
- Top 15 finishers and ties from the 2024 PGA Championship
- Top 20 finishers from the 2025 PGA Professional Championship
- Top 70 players who earned the most PGA Championship points* from the 2024 Charles Schwab Challenge through the 2025 CJ Cup Byron Nelson (ending May 4)
- Playing members of the 2023 U.S. and European Ryder Cup teams, provided they remain in the top 100 on the Official World Golf Ranking as of May 5
- Winners of PGA Tour co-sponsored or approved tournaments whose victories are considered official, since the previous PGA Championship
- The PGA of America reserves the right to invite additional players (traditionally including the top 100 from the Official World Golf Ranking)
- If needed to complete the field, players beyond the top 70 who earned the most PGA Championship points*
*Note: PGA Championship points are based on official PGA Tour earnings.
Are LIV Golf players eligible for the PGA Championship?
Yes, as long as they meet the qualifying criteria. Starting in 2024, the PGA of America uses its special invitation provision to invite the top 3 players from the LIV Golf season standings, if they aren’t otherwise eligible.
What are some memorable PGA moments?
John Daly’s 1991 victory stands out – he got in as the ninth alternate and dominated with his incredible driving and touch around the greens. Bob Tway holing a bunker shot to beat Greg Norman on the final hole in 1986 was another classic. Tiger Woods’ playoff battle with his former junior rival Bob May in 2000 was unforgettable. And in 2021, Phil Mickelson made history at age 51 by becoming the oldest-ever major champion.
What happened in the 2024 PGA Championship?
It was one of the most surreal weeks in golf history. The madness began Friday at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville when Masters champion and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler was arrested while trying to enter tournament grounds. He made it from jail to the course to compete, and followed his opening 67 with a 66 to finish within three of the 36-hole lead. Scheffler ran out of gas in the third round, falling out of contention with a 73 (he tied for eighth). The championship was won by Xander Schauffele, who birdied the 72nd hole to edge Bryson DeChambeau by a shot. It was Schauffele’s first major title (he also set multiple PGA records as well; more below).
Who has the most PGA Championship wins?
Jack Nicklaus and Walter Hagen have each won five times. Tiger Woods has won four times. Woods has twice won back-to-back in this major, in 1999-2000 and 2006-07.
What are the PGA Championship scoring records?
- 18 holes: 62 (Xander Schauffele, Round 1, 2024 Valhalla; Shane Lowry, Round 3, 2024 Valhalla)
- 72-hole aggregate: 263 (Schauffele, 2024)
- 72-hole in relation to par: 21 under (Schauffele, 2024)
On 18 occasions, players have shot 63 in this championship.
Where is the 2025 PGA Championship?
Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. The venue traditionally hosts what is now known as the Truist Championship. That signature event moved to Philadelphia Cricket Club in ’25 and precedes the PGA. Quail Hollow previously hosted the 2017 PGA Championship, won by Justin Thomas.
