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The PGA of America marks a 95-year milestone on April 10

By PGA of America
Published on
The PGA of America marks a 95-year milestone on April 10

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- Celebrating its 95th year as the leader in the game and the business of golf, The PGA of America marks this Sunday as another milestone date in its mission to serve its 27,000-plus men and women professionals and the industry. Founded on April 10, 1916, in New York City, The PGA of America is today the world's largest sports organization, which has upheld the solemn pledge of its founders to be leaders on all levels of the game while advancing growing participation in golf.

"As The PGA of America approaches another milestone in our history, we take pride in the commitment of men and women professionals who have served as inspiration to future players as well as elevate the human spirit on many levels," said PGA of America President Allen Wronowski. "PGA Professionals are at the forefront in charitable contributions and a source of employment within their communities; in educating juniors and aspiring professionals; by supporting the rehabilitation of veterans and the legacy of their families; and by fostering golf's global expansion. As we head to our centennial in 2016, we take pause to toast the vision of our founders who believed in the value of promoting the game and the business of golf."

Department store magnate Rodman Wanamaker served as host of a Jan. 17, 1916 luncheon at his own Taplow Club that sparked the birth of The PGA of America. On April 10 of that year at the Hotel Martinique (now Radisson Martinique) at 49 West 32nd Street in New York City, 78 professionals were elected to The PGA of America and set the pace toward elevating standards in the golf profession; promoting major spectator championships and serving at the forefront for all industry initiatives to grow the game.

From inaugural PGA Champion Jim Barnes' victory in 1916 to Germany's Martin Kaymer's stunning triumph in 2010, The PGA of America has been at the center of many of the sport's most significant moments.

The PGA's year-long celebration includes print, social media and broadcast announcements that feature the role of the PGA Professional and The PGA's rich history. The boardroom for the historic 1916 meeting at the Radisson Martinique on Broadway lies on the second floor where visitors may enjoy a permanent PGA gallery at 49 West 32nd Street.

Visitors on the Internet may join in the celebration by visiting pga.com/95thanniversary, where they will find historical segments along with updated information about The PGA of America and its programs.

The PGA Museum of Golf, formerly the PGA Historical Center of Port St. Lucie, Fla., provides new interactive exhibits and offers a PGA Museum of Golf Speaker Series that features individuals of impact throughout The PGA's history. Visitors also may access the PGA Museum of Golf website: pga.com/museum.

The April issue of PGA Magazine, the nation's oldest, continuous published golf monthly, features a cover story on the 95th anniversary. PGA Magazine also features a monthly series of profiles of individuals who have played a role in shaping The PGA of America.