The PGA Tour or the PGA of America? Exploring the Case of the 107-Year-Long Dilemma Surrounding PGA Championship’s Organizer

The anticipation is running high for the 105th edition of the PGA Championship. While the Major will mark the first encounter between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf in the more than 100-year event, the confusion surrounding it remains intact. Who organizes the upcoming Major? The PGA Tour or the PGA of America? Or is it someone else?

Though the golf world is in a state of chaos due to the inception of LIV Golf, it hasn’t affected the smooth flow of the PGA Championship. Since 1944, the event has taken place every year, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. But who is responsible for the organization of the event with such dedication?

Breaking the PGA Championship dilemma

Having the name ‘PGA’ in a Major, many may consider it an event with participants only with the PGA Tour card. However, the three letters have a lot more in their bag than many know of. The Professional Golfers Association of America (PGA of America) was founded in 1916 by Rodmen Wanamaker, the man whom the trophy of the PGA Championship is named after.

However, apart from the foundation of a new golf association, the meeting hosted by Wanamaker also marked the commencement of the PGA Championship. In simpler terms, the annual event is organized and hosted by the PGA of America. Nonetheless, despite having the same three letters, the PGA of America differs massively from the PGA Tour.

The PGA Tour is the organization that oversees the string of golf competitions (held primarily in the United States), that make up the premier golf Tour for professionals who make a living by competing in tournaments. Meanwhile, the PGA of America is the body that establishes requirements for and certifies golf professionals who hold jobs such as club professionals, instructors, directors of golf, and other similar ones.

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These golf professionals don’t make their livings by competing in tournaments, but rather by working at golf courses, golf clubs, pro shops, driving ranges, and other similar establishments. Despite the similar alphabets, both entities are completely different. However, there was once a time when both the PGA Tour and the PGA of America were under a single banner.

A civil war within the PGA?

Nearly 52 years after Rodman Wanamaker and his peers decided to form the PGA of America in 1916, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and fellow senior golfers of the Tour seemed unhappy with the way of working of the Tour. Nicklaus and fellow golfers began a revolt against the PGA of America in 1968, with a desire to start a new Tour.

The golfers from that era were upset with the Tour’s limitations on equipment specifications or the prohibition of side-saddle putting. Moreover, the United States Golf Association, which was the governing body of the PGA of America back then, did not intervene in the conflict. Fortunately for them, the Hall of Famers succeeded in their purpose as the PGA Tour was created. But did this mean the end of the road for the PGA Championship and the PGA of America?

Who organizes PGA Championship in today’s era?

Though 1968 marked the end of the 52-year-old-long relationship between the PGA Tour and the PGA of America, did this also end the association of the PGA with its only Major event? No, the PGA Championship to this day, is organized by the PGA of America despite the separation.

On the hand, the PGA Tour was formed to organize its own events which it does during its annual schedule. while the PGA Championship is still in control of the 107-year-old governing body. However, the PGA Tour organizes the Players Championship, which is widely considered the 5th unofficial Major of the season.

Regardless, of who organizes or directs the annual event, it will undoubtedly leave the golf world on the edge of its seats. Moreover, the record book is only going to get much deeper in its more than century-old history.

Were you also confused about the PGA Tour and the PGA of America? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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