Ask the Chatbot Games & Quizzes History & Society Science & Tech Biographies Animals & Nature Geography & Travel Arts & Culture ProCon Money Videos
100th Anniversary of the PGA’s Founding
Table of Contents
References & Edit History Related Topics
Images
Bunker shot
Bunker shot
Bunker shot Golfer Steve Stricker playing a bunker shot at the PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club, Rochester, New York, August 10, 2013.

100th Anniversary of the PGA’s Founding

The Professional Golfers’ Association of America was created on April 10, 1916.
print Print
Please select which sections you would like to print:
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

External Websites
Written by
Amy Tikkanen
Amy Tikkanen is Managing Editor at Encyclopaedia Britannica.
Amy Tikkanen
Fact-checked by
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Last Updated:
Related Topics:
golf
See all related content

The Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA of America, or more commonly just PGA) was the brainchild of department store owner Rodman Wanamaker, who believed that the creation of a golf organization would increase sales of the sport’s equipment. On January 17, 1916, in New York City he convened a number of golf enthusiasts to discuss creating such an association. An organizing committee was formed, and on April 10, 1916, the PGA was officially established, with 35 members. In October its first tournament was held, the PGA Championship. The winner was James M. Barnes, who received $500.

Over the next 100 years, the PGA developed into one of the world’s largest and most important sports organizations. Backed by legendary players—including Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods—the PGA helped transform golf into a premier sport. By 2016 the organization boasted some 28,000 members and sponsored more than 40 tournaments, including the PGA Championship, the winner of which is awarded some $1.8 million.

Learn More About This Topic

Amy Tikkanen