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PGA Championship Trivia: 15 Fun Facts About One of Golf's Majors

Discover 15 fascinating facts about the PGA Championship, one of golf's major tournaments, including records, controversies, and historic moments.

by Jake Tingey & Judd Lyon · Updated: 5/28/23

The PGA Championship has a rich history spanning over a century, and with that history comes a wealth of fascinating stories, records, and trivia. As one of the four majors in professional golf, the tournament has seen some of the game's greatest moments and players. From historic venues and records to surprising facts and anecdotes, the PGA Championship has it all. Join us as we explore 15 fun and intriguing facts about one of golf's most prestigious tournaments.

  1. The PGA Championship is one of the four major championships in men's golf, alongside The Masters, the U.S. Open, and The Open Championship (also known as the British Open).
  2. The tournament was first held in 1916 and has been contested annually ever since, except for the years 1917–1918 and 1942–1945 due to World War I and World War II, respectively.
  3. The winner of the PGA Championship receives the Wanamaker Trophy, which was first awarded in 1916 and is named after Rodman Wanamaker, a department store magnate who helped establish the tournament.
  4. Jack Nicklaus has won the most PGA Championships, with a total of five victories.
  5. The youngest player to win the PGA Championship is Gene Sarazen, who was 20 years, 5 months, and 22 days old when he won in 1922.
  6. The oldest player to win the PGA Championship is Julius Boros, who was 48 years, 4 months, and 18 days old when he won in 1968.
  7. In 1992, John Daly became the first alternate to win the PGA Championship, after Nick Price withdrew due to the birth of his child.
  8. The first African-American to play in the PGA Championship was Bill Spiller, who competed in the 1959 tournament.
  9. The first Asian-born player to win the PGA Championship was Y.E. Yang of South Korea, who defeated Tiger Woods in the 2009 tournament.
  10. In 1977, Lanny Wadkins became the first player to win the PGA Championship in sudden death playoff format.
  11. In 2020, the PGA Championship was held without fans in attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  12. The highest score ever recorded on a single hole in PGA Championship history is 13, which was accomplished by Ray Ainsley on the 16th hole at the 1938 tournament.
  13. The 2022 PGA Championship will be held at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
  14. The PGA Championship has been won by players from 12 different countries, with the United States having the most winners at 86.
  15. The PGA Championship has been played at a variety of venues across the United States, with the most frequent host being the Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which has hosted the tournament four times.

The PGA Championship is one of the most prestigious golfing events in the world, with a rich history and a wealth of fascinating facts and trivia. From its early days as a match play tournament to its current status as a major championship, the PGA Championship has captured the hearts and imaginations of golfers and fans alike. Whether it's the iconic Wanamaker Trophy, the storied courses that have hosted the event, or the legendary players who have competed in it, the PGA Championship has left an indelible mark on the sport of golf. As we look forward to future championships, we can be sure that the PGA Championship will continue to be a major highlight of the golfing calendar, showcasing the best of the best in a thrilling and unforgettable event.

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