The PGA Championship is one of the four major professional golf championships, alongside The Masters, the US Open, and The Open Championship, and is organized by the Professional Golfers' Association of America (PGA of America). Established in 1916, the tournament awards the Wanamaker Trophy to its winner. The tournament has evolved over time, from a match play to a stroke play format, and is held annually, attracting some of the world's top golfers. The 2022 championship was won by Justin Thomas, and the upcoming 2024 tournament will be held at Oak Hill Country Club in Pittsford, New York, which is best known for its East golf course and has hosted multiple major championships.
The Course and Geography of The PGA Championship
The host course for the 2024 PGA Championship is Oak Hill Country Club, located in Pittsford, New York, a suburb southeast of Rochester. Founded in 1901, Oak Hill is best known for its East Course, which has hosted multiple major championships, including the PGA Championship, the US Open, and the Ryder Cup.
The East Course at Oak Hill is a par-70 layout that measures 7,145 yards from the back tees. It features narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and fast greens, which will pose significant challenges for golfers. One of the most iconic holes at Oak Hill is the par-3 15th, which is known for its challenging green and scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
The Rochester area has a rich history in golf and is home to several top-rated courses, including Oak Hill. The region has a strong golfing culture, and its residents are known for their passion for the sport. That passion shows on tournament week, with thousands of fans turning out.
Rochester has also hosted the Ryder Cup, the US Open, and the LPGA Championship. The course sits close to the city, so fans get easy access to both the tournament and the local restaurant and cultural scene.
Notable Winners and Legends of The PGA Championship
The PGA Championship has produced some of the greatest moments in major championship golf. Here are the biggest names.
Tiger Woods
One of the most notable champions in the history of The PGA Championship is Tiger Woods. Woods won the tournament four times, in 1999, 2000, 2006, and 2007, and he is the only golfer in the modern era to win the PGA Championship three times in a row. Woods' four PGA titles rank second all-time.
Jack Nicklaus
Another legendary figure in the history of The PGA Championship is Jack Nicklaus. Nicklaus won the tournament a record-tying five times, in 1963, 1971, 1973, 1975, and 1980. His five PGA titles are tied for the all-time record with Walter Hagen.
Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy is another golfer whose legacy has been shaped by The PGA Championship. McIlroy won the tournament twice, in 2012 and 2014, and his dominant performance in 2012, where he won by a record-setting eight strokes, was one of the most memorable moments in the tournament's history.
Walter Hagen
Walter Hagen is another golfer who played a significant role in shaping the history of The PGA Championship. Hagen won the tournament a record-tying five times, in 1921, 1924, 1925, 1926, and 1927, and his victories helped establish The PGA Championship as one of the premier events in golf.
Gene Sarazen
Gene Sarazen is another golfer whose legacy is forever intertwined with The PGA Championship. Sarazen won the tournament three times, in 1922, 1923, and 1933, and his victories helped establish him as one of the greatest golfers of his era.
These champions, and many others, have defined the PGA Championship's place in the sport.
Future of The PGA Championship
The PGA of America regularly reviews the tournament's format, course rotation, and schedule. One idea that surfaces periodically is hosting the event at an international venue. There has also been speculation about adding a fifth major to the calendar. Regardless of what changes, the PGA Championship's status as one of golf's four majors is secure.
PGA Championship: A Legacy of Golf Tradition
The Wanamaker Trophy, the "Glory's Last Shot" tagline, and a winner's list that includes Woods, Nicklaus, and Hagen. The PGA Championship has earned its place among golf's biggest events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about The PGA Championship.