Wanamaker's unique vision changed the game of golf

By Michael R. Abramowitz, PGA of America

Rodman Wanamaker, the department store magnate whose forward-thinking concepts led to the creation of The PGA of America, was a respected innovator. When he took over his father's business, Wanamaker wisely insisted on the upper crust in quality for the store's fashions and only the finest of fixtures to adorn its aisles and walls.

Yet, Wanamaker's vision that forever changed the world expanded beyond the checkout counter and the golf course. For example, he donated the gem-studded Cross of Westminster to London's Westminster Abbey. He also funded Adm. Richard Byrd to pilot the plane "America" -- then the largest plane ever made in the United States -- from New York to France, a flight that nearly achieved the first non-stop trans-Atlantic trip. Wanamaker is also credited as the impetus behind the now-traditional playing of the "Star Spangled Banner" before sporting events, and track and field's famous Wanamaker Mile, held at the Milrose Games.

Wanamaker also was keenly aware of the public's growing love affair with the game of golf in the early 20th century.

On Jan. 17, 1916, Wanamaker met with Walter Hagen and several other top players and amateurs, such as Francis Ouimet and A.W. Tillinghast, at the Taplow Club in New York City, to tout his idea for an organization that would focus its endeavors on growing the game and providing for increased revenues at golf facilities.

A seven-member organizing committee chaired by former British PGA Secretary James Hepburn gathered over the next two months to lay the groundwork for The PGA of America. Eighty-two PGA members were elected under the Constitution and bylaws on April 10, 1916, earmarking a chapter in golf history that has evolved for 90 years.

"Our founding fathers would be proud to know that the vision they set forth 90 years ago remains intact today," says PGA President Roger Warren. "They would be astounded at the tremendous growth of The PGA of America and our 28,000 members, who do their part to grow the game and business of golf."

The Dawning of a Major

Wanamaker was steadfast in creating a Championship that rivaled Great Britain's well-respected News of the World tournament. By October 1916, Wanamaker contributed $2,580 to fund the first PGA Championship, as well as a stunning trophy awarded to the victor that still bears Wanamaker's name.

The early rounds of the inaugural PGA Championship would hold mostly true to form. Thomas Kerrigan hit the tournament's first-ever shot en route to a first-round 6-and-4 victory over Charles Adams at Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, N.Y. In the semifinals, Jock Hutchison staged a come-from-behind 2-up victory over Walter Hagen.

During the finals, Hutchinson faced Jim Barnes. Hutchison stormed out to a three-hole lead, only to see it dissipate to 1-up after the first 18 holes. "I always do better after lunch," boasted Barnes, and he delivered as advertised, sinking his putt on the 36th hole to win, 1-up.

Due to the outbreak of World War I, the PGA Championship was not contested in 1917 and 1918. Yet, Barnes successfully defended his title in September 1919, at Engineers Country Club in Roslyn, N.Y., as he defeated Fred McLeod in the finals, 3 and 2.

Meanwhile, The PGA of America supported the war efforts by purchasing and maintaining an ambulance throughout the conflict for the American Red Cross. In addition, the Association supported its members by encouraging employers to hold open positions for PGA members serving in the United States Armed Forces.

These are prime examples of a commitment by The PGA of America to its members that remains intact today.