How the PGA Championship Actually Works
BLUF: The PGA Championship is one of golf's four major championships, organized by the Professional Golfers' Association of America and held annually in May—the second major of the season.
It features the strongest field of any major and has evolved from the 'fourth major' into a premier event that regularly produces dramatic finishes.
What the PGA Championship Is
The PGA Championship is one of the four men's major golf championships, alongside The Masters, the U.S. Open, and The Open Championship. It is organized by the PGA of America—the organization of golf professionals, distinct from the PGA Tour. The tournament is held at a different course each year and features a 156-player field that includes the deepest mix of top-ranked players of any major. It is typically played in mid-to-late May and uses standard 72-hole stroke-play format.
How It Evolved
The PGA Championship was first held in 1916 as a match-play event—the only major to use that format until switching to stroke play in 1958. For most of its history, it was held in August, making it the final major of the season. In 2019, it moved to May, filling the gap between The Masters (April) and the U.S. Open (June). This repositioning revitalized the tournament's profile and created a more compelling early-season major schedule. The event has been won by legends from Walter Hagen to Tiger Woods to Brooks Koepka.
How the Tournament Works
The PGA Championship is a 72-hole stroke-play competition over four days. The 156-player field is the largest of any major. Entry criteria include PGA of America club professionals alongside the world's top tour players, giving the event a unique character. A 36-hole cut reduces the field for the weekend rounds. The venue rotates among top-tier American courses, and the PGA of America selects courses years in advance, investing heavily in course preparation and infrastructure.
Why the PGA Championship Matters
The PGA Championship matters because it offers a major title with the deepest field in golf. Its placement in May creates momentum heading into the season's middle stretch. For club professionals who qualify, it represents a rare opportunity to compete alongside the world's best. The tournament generates significant revenue for the PGA of America, which uses proceeds to fund grassroots golf development and professional education. Winning the Wanamaker Trophy places a golfer among the sport's elite.
The Venue Rotation
Unlike The Masters, which is always at Augusta National, the PGA Championship moves to a different course each year. Historic venues include Bethpage Black, Valhalla, Southern Hills, and Oak Hill. The PGA of America favors courses that can handle large crowds and present a fair but demanding test. This rotation gives the tournament a different character each year and allows different regions of the United States to showcase their golf culture.