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The PGA, or Professional Golfers' Association, is an American organization of golf professionals that was founded in 1916. The PGA was established to promote interest in professional golf, elevate the standards of the game, and advance the welfare of its members. With nearly 29,000 members, the PGA conducts several tournaments, including the PGA Championship, the Senior PGA Championship, and the Women's PGA Championship. The PGA has grown to become one of the world's largest professional organizations, with a presence in various countries and regions, including the United States, Great Britain, Ireland, Canada, Europe, and Australasia.
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What You'll Learn
The Professional Golfers' Association of America (PGA of America)
The idea for the PGA of America was sparked by a luncheon on January 17, 1916, hosted by Rodman Wanamaker, a Philadelphia businessman, at his store on Ninth Street and Broadway in New York City. Wanamaker was not a golfer himself, but he loved the sport and wanted to make it more popular. He believed that consolidating professionals into an organisation would improve their social standing and benefit them by working together. Wanamaker also wanted to host a tournament for the new organisation, and offered to donate a cup and $2,580 in prize money, as well as covering the travel expenses of the competitors. This "cup" became the Rodman Wanamaker Trophy, and the tournament the PGA Championship.
On April 10, 1916, the PGA of America was officially established with 78 members, including 35 charter members, of which 28 were born outside the U.S. The association has since grown significantly and now conducts several tournaments, including the PGA Championship, the Senior PGA Championship, and the Women's PGA Championship (formerly known as the LPGA Championship). The PGA Championship is one of the world's four major golf tournaments. In addition, the PGA of America co-organises the biennial Ryder Cup and shares in the conduct of an international team match with Great Britain for the Ryder Cup.
The PGA of America also offers a training program for aspiring touring professionals and maintains a PGA Hall of Fame. It has specific qualifications and requirements for membership, including passing a player ability test and completing the professional Golf Management Program (PGA PGM) Program. Members can pursue careers as golf pros, teaching pros, or playing pros, among other options.
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The PGA was founded in 1916
The PGA, or the Professional Golfers' Association of America, was founded on April 10, 1916, with 35 charter members. However, the idea for the association was sparked earlier that year, on January 17, 1916, at a luncheon hosted by Rodman Wanamaker at his store on Ninth Street and Broadway in New York City. Wanamaker was a Philadelphia businessman and avid golfer who wanted to make golf an official organization to inspire more people to play. He also believed that consolidating professionals would improve their social standing, as they had long been treated as second-class citizens by club members.
Sixty attendees were invited by the Taplow Club, a business group within Wanamaker's store, led by professional golfer and talented salesman Tom McNamara. McNamara shared Wanamaker's belief that golf professionals would benefit from working together, and the two men's vision ultimately led to the creation of the PGA several months later.
The newly formed organization held its first annual tournament in October 1916 at the Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, New York. James M. Barnes defeated Jock Hutchinson in the championship match, taking home a trophy and a purse of $2,580, which had been donated by Wanamaker.
In the years since its founding, the PGA has grown into one of the world's largest professional organizations, with nearly 29,000 members as of 2018. It continues to promote interest in professional golf, elevate the standards of the game, and advance the welfare of its members. The PGA conducts several tournaments, including the PGA Championship, the Senior PGA Championship, and the Women's PGA Championship.
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PGA Championship
The PGA Championship is one of the four major golf tournaments in the world. It is conducted by the Professional Golfers' Association of America (PGA of America), which was established in 1916. The PGA of America is an organisation of golf professionals with nearly 29,000 members, which aims to elevate the standards of the profession and increase interest and participation in golf.
The PGA Championship was first held in October 1916 at Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, New York. The winner, Jim Barnes (or James M. Barnes), received $500 and a diamond-studded gold medal donated by Rodman Wanamaker, who was instrumental in the founding of the PGA. The winner also receives a replica of the Wanamaker Trophy, which they keep for a year, and a smaller replica to keep permanently.
The tournament was originally a match play event, but it now uses stroke play, with the standard 72-hole format. It is an official money event on the PGA Tour, European Tour, and Japan Golf Tour, with a purse of $11 million in 2018. The tournament was previously held in mid-August, but since 2019 it has been played in May, becoming the season's second major.
The PGA Championship has been hosted in various venues, with New York hosting the most times (13), followed by Ohio (11) and Pennsylvania (9). The tournament has also been played at Quail Hollow Club, considered one of the finest courses in the United States.
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Rodman Wanamaker
PGA stands for The Professional Golfers' Association. On January 17, 1916, a group of golf professionals and amateurs gathered at the Taplow Club in New York City, hosted by Rodman Wanamaker, to make golf an official organization and inspire more people to play. This led to the founding of the PGA in 1916, with 35 charter members.
Wanamaker was also a pioneer in sponsoring record-breaking aviation projects, particularly early transatlantic flight development. In 1913, he commissioned Glen Curtiss and his aircraft company to design a flying boat capable of crossing the Atlantic. While the outbreak of World War I prevented the aircraft from making the crossing, the design showed promise, and the Royal Navy purchased two prototypes and ordered an additional fifty aircraft for anti-submarine patrolling and air-sea rescue.
In addition to his business and aviation pursuits, Wanamaker was dedicated to bringing music and art to his stores. He sponsored elaborate recitals in the Grand Court of the Philadelphia store, featuring famous organists and orchestras. He also substantially enlarged the Wanamaker Organ, making it the world's largest fully functioning pipe organ. Wanamaker also commissioned a 17-ton bell, named the "Founder's Bell" in honour of his father, which became the largest tuned bell in the world when it was cast.
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Membership requirements
The Professional Golfers' Association of America (PGA of America) is an American organisation of golf professionals that was founded in 1916. It consists of nearly 29,000 members and aims to establish and elevate the standards of the profession, as well as to grow interest and participation in the game of golf.
To become a member of the PGA, there are several requirements that must be met. These requirements may vary slightly depending on location, but the overall process is similar for the PGA of America and the PGA of Canada. Here are the key membership requirements:
- Playing Ability Test (PAT): This test assesses your golfing skills. You need to achieve a qualifying score or submit proof of a handicap lower than 10.
- Qualifying Level Material: You must take and pass the qualifying level material, which covers the theoretical aspects of golf.
- Background Check: A background check is required to ensure your suitability for membership.
- Work Experience: You need to be working full-time in the golf industry. Eligible positions include roles such as golf pros, teaching pros, or playing pros.
- Associate Registration: While completing the Professional Golf Management Program (PGM Program), you must be registered as an Associate.
- Membership Application: After successfully completing the PAT and other requirements, you must submit a formal membership application.
- Membership Fees: As a member, you will be required to pay annual membership dues to maintain your PGA membership.
- Continuing Education: To remain a member in good standing, you will need to meet continuing education requirements each year, ensuring that you stay up-to-date with industry knowledge and trends.
Once you have completed the above requirements and your associate application has been approved, you will become a Class B PGA associate. From there, you will have nine years to finish the PGM education program and advance your membership status. Becoming a PGA member opens up a wide range of career opportunities in the golf industry, including roles as a head professional, general manager, or media representative.
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Frequently asked questions
PGA stands for the Professional Golfers' Association.
The PGA was formed in 1916 in the United States at the instigation of Rodman Wanamaker, a Philadelphia businessman.
The PGA was established with the purpose of promoting interest in professional golf, elevating the standards of the game, and advancing the welfare of its members.
To become a member of the PGA, you must pass the player ability test, which involves playing 36 holes in one day and achieving a certain score. You must also be registered as an Associate and complete the Professional Golf Management Program (PGA PGM) Program.
The women's equivalent of the PGA is the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), founded in 1950. The LPGA provides organized professional tournament golf for women and holds the LPGA Championship tournament.
