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PGA History

  • 1940:
    • The Benevolent and Relief Fund pays $4,662 to members unable to work.
    • The Unemployment Fund pays $1,085 to members unable to find jobs.
    • PGA Sections conduct a successful public relations campaign to stop large corporations from buying golf equipment and re-selling it to their employees at cost.
  • 1941:
    • The PGA of America celebrates its 25th anniversary with 2,041 members, and also establishes the Golf Hall of Fame. First inductees are Willie Anderson, Tommy Armour, Jim Barnes, Chick Evans, Walter Hagen, Bob Jones, John McDermott, Francis Ouimet, Gene Sarazen, Alex Smith, Jerry Travers and Walter Travis.
  • 1942:
    • The PGA buys two ambulances for the Red Cross and distributes clubs and balls at military bases.
    • The Association raises more than $25,000 for USO, Red Cross, Navy and Army Relief.
    • The PGA Championship consists of 32 players, the majority of whom are servicemen on leave.
  • 1943:
    • The PGA Championship is cancelled due to World War II.
    • Bob Hope and Bing Crosby play six weeks of exhibition matches with pros and amateurs to help sell war bonds.
    • Thomas W. Crane joins Association as executive secretary.
  • 1944:
    • Publication offices of The Professional Golfer magazine are moved to Chicago.
    • P.C. Pulver, editor of The Professional Golfer magazine for 25 years, passes away after long illness.
    • The PGA signs a lease with the city of Dunedin, Fla. to turn the city course into the PGA National Golf Club.
    • Golf bag tag introduced at PGA annual meeting.
  • 1945:
    • The PGA starts rebuilding after the war with 1,565 members.
    • The PGA Seniors Championship moves to Dunedin, Fla.
  • 1946:
    • Membership in The PGA of America reaches 2,236.
    • Golf Writers Association of America is organized at Portland (Ore.) Golf Club during PGA Championship.
    • Tournament players reach agreement with The PGA to operate in complete autonomy.
  • 1947:
    • The Ryder Cup Matches resume at the Portland (Ore.) Golf Club when Robert Hudson, an Oregon fruit packer, finances the British team's expense.
    • The PGA Championship at Plum Hollow Country Club in Detroit attracts 53,000 people, a new attendance record.
  • 1948:
    • Jim Ferrier, a native Australian, becomes the fourth internationally born PGA Champion.
  • 1949:
    • George S. May Company, a business-management engineering company, conducts a survey of PGA operations.
    • USGA asks the Tournament Bureau to do something about slow play.
    • Quarter Century Club formed for members with 25 years or more in professional golf.
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Founded in 1916, The PGA of America is the largest working sports organization in the world, comprised of more than 28,000 dedicated men and women promoting the game of golf to everyone, everywhere.

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PGA of America Leaders

Brian Whitcomb

Brian Whitcomb

President

Jim Remy

Jim Remy

Vice President

Allen Wronowski

Allen Wronowski

Secretary

Roger Warren

Roger Warren

Honorary President

Joe Steranka

Joe Steranka

CEO

Tickets

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

Don't miss your chance to see the 90th PGA Championship at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township, MI on Aug. 4-10th, 2008.

More From the PGA of America

The PGA Foundation

The PGA Foundation is the charitable arm of The PGA of America. This philanthropic organization was founded in 1954 and is a licensed 501 (c) (3 foundation.

PGA Fall Expo

The PGA Fall Expo is the industry's premier Fall pre-book and apparel buying event.

Play Golf America

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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