PGA Championship

In line with the other majors, winning the PGA gives a golfer several privileges which make his career much more secure, if he is not already one of the elite of the sport. PGA champions are automatically invited to play in the other three majors (The Masters, US Open and British Open) for the next five years, and are exempt from qualifying for the PGA Championship through age 65. They also receive membership on the PGA TOUR for the following five seasons and invitations to THE PLAYERS Championship for five years.

History

The first PGA Championship was in 1916 at Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, New York. The trophy was donated by Rodman Wanamaker, and is known as the Wanamaker Trophy. It was initially a match play event, and it moved to a stroke play format in 1958. It is sometimes said that this was a result of pressure from televsion, which prefers to see as many famous players as possible in contention on the final day. The first winner, Jim Barnes, received $500 (US) in 1916, while 2005 winner Phil Mickelson received $1.17 million (US).

Related Topics:
1916 - Siwanoy Country Club - Bronxville - New York - Rodman Wanamaker - 1958 - Jim Barnes - 2005 - Phil Mickelson

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~