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PGA History

  • 1920:
    • The first issue of The Professional Golfer of America is published in May by The PGA, with P.C. Pulver named editor.
  • 1921:
    • Walter Hagen becomes the first American-born PGA Champion, defeating two-time winner James M. Barnes, 3 and 2, at Inwood Country Club in Far Rockaway, N.Y.
    • Jock Hutchison becomes the first American citizen to win the British Open.
    • The USGA starts operation of its Green Section.
  • 1922:
    • Manufacturers advised that $3 should be the maximum price for a PGA line of irons.
    • Gene Sarazen wins his first PGA Championship at the age of 20.
    • Walter Hagen becomes the first American-born golfer to win the British Open.
    • The USGA adopts suggestion of The PGA to play the U.S. Open annually in June.
  • 1923:
    • At its Annual Meeting, The PGA recommends that all PGA steel-shafted iron models be stamped, "This head approved by The PGA."
    • Gene Sarazen wins his second consecutive PGA Championship, defeating Walter Hagen, 1-up, at Pelham Country Club in Pelham Manor, N.Y.
    • The Association votes for a $600 annual salary for its secretary-treasurer.
  • 1924:
    • The PGA Champion is exempted from qualifying rounds to the PGA Championship.
    • Walter Hagen wins his second PGA Championship, 2-up, over previous two-time Champion James M. Barnes.
  • 1925:
    • An Entry fee of $5 charged for PGA Championship qualifying rounds.
    • The Association votes for a $1,000 annual salary for secretary-treasurer.
    • Membership grows to 1,305.
  • 1926:
    • Official figures show membership in The PGA now at 1,548.
    • Steel shafts are legalized by USGA.
  • 1927:
    • Samuel A. Ryder presents the Ryder Cup as a prize for the inaugural international competition between American and British professional golfers. The United States defeats Great Britain 9 ½ to 2 ½ at Worcester (Mass.) Country Club.
    • Walter Hagen wins his fifth PGA Championship, and his fourth in a row, at Cedar Crest Country Club in Dallas, Texas.
  • 1928:
    • Motion passed at Annual Meeting to raise dues for PGA members from $5 to $10.
  • 1929:
    • Steel shafts are legalized by Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, Scotland.
    • Motion passed at Annual Meeting to raise dues for PGA members from $10 to $50.
    • Hal Sharkey named to manage fledgling Tournament Bureau.
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2008 PGA Grand Slam of Golf

Watch the most exclusive field in golf, the winners of the four major championships, compete from The Mid Ocean Course in Bermuda at the 2008 PGA Grand Slam of Golf.

2008 PGA Championship

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Helping To Grow The Game

One of the most important missions for the PGA of America is to promote and grow the game of golf.

 
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