A group of New York area golf professionals and prominent amateurs met at a luncheon on Jan. 16, 1916, at Rodman Wanamaker’s department store in New York City. They discussed forming a national organization to promote interest in the game of golf and help elevate the vocation of golf professionals. Charter membership was 35 that year, and today there are more than 28,000 PGA Professionals, making The PGA the world’s largest working sports organization. More PGA History
A Mission:
The mission of The PGA is to promote the enjoyment and involvement in golf among amateurs and to contribute to the game’s growth by providing services to golf professionals and the industry. The PGA seeks to accomplish this mission by enhancing the skills of PGA Professionals and the opportunities for amateurs, employers, manufacturers, employees and the general public. In so doing, the PGA elevates the standards of the PGA Professional’s vocation, enhances the economic well-being of the individual member, stimulates interest in the game of golf, and promotes the overall vitality of the game.
PGA Professionals:
Today’s PGA Professionals are several generations removed— in skills, knowledge, training and business acumen—from the golf professionals of the early 20th century. Extensive training in The PGA’s comprehensive Golf Professional Training Program provides the groundwork for an education unparalleled in the sports world. The PGA Professional, who is an ambassador of the game to amateurs worldwide, is not only a talented teacher and player, but also a tournament director, merchandiser, rules administrator, skilled businessperson and community leader. PGA Classications
PGA Sections:
The PGA of America is divided into 41 geographical sections of the United States, each with an office which conducts golf tournaments and regional golf promotions. Each Section is guided by an executive director and conducts annual elections of officers, events, educational programs, workshops and seminars for its members. PGA Sections
Championships:
Since 1916, The PGA of America has organized tournament golf at the highest level for the enjoyment of the general public. The PGA plays host to major events such as the PGA Championship, Ryder Cup Matches, Senior PGA Championship and PGA Grand Slam of Golf. The PGA conducts more than 30 tournaments for its members and apprentices including the PGA Cup Matches, The PGA Club Professional Championship, PGA Senior Club Professional Championship, TaylorMade-adidas Golf PGA Assistant Professional Championship, PGA Tournament Series Greg Norman Collection and Reebok Golf PGA Winter Tournament Program. The Association also hosts the world’s largest golf tournament, the Buick Scramble, as well as one of the major championships of the junior circuit, the Westfield Junior PGA Championship, and the PGA Junior Series held each summer.
PGA Foundation:
Since 1916, The PGA of America has served the golfing public working with golf course owners and golf manufacturers through its efforts to promote the game and make it accessible to everyone, everywhere. These efforts are carried out by the more than 28,000 men and women PGA Professionals who make The PGA of America the world's largest working sports organization.
The PGA, in 1978, created a 501 (c)(3) public philanthropic foundation which later became known as The PGA Foundation. In keeping with the mission of The PGA of America, the PGA Foundation is dedicated to providing resources, professional expertise and programs to make golf accessible to all segments of the population.
The PGA Foundation's priority is to grow the game of golf while using the game to enhance the quality of life for all people, especially for those who are under-served by the game. Directly associated with golf programs are core values such as honesty, integrity, respect, self-assurance, courtesy, and perseverance. Regardless of gender, age, social and economic background, ability or disability, every golfer can experience these values through their involvement in the game. PGA Foundation
PGA Partners:
No other golf organization has the reach and respect of The PGA of America. It enlists a number of national and international companies in providing an umbrella of services for its members. Included in the PGA corporate family are companies such as American Express, Mercedes-Benz, and RBS. PGA Partners
Other Special Events:
The PGA of America calendar showcases such events as the PGA Teaching & Coaching Summit and the PGA Annual Meeting. The PGA Teaching & Coaching Summit, held biennially, attracts the world’s best golf instructors and nearly 1,000 golf professionals, sharing ideas about the science of teaching the game. The PGA Annual Meeting brings together all segments of the membership, providing an invaluable forum for discussion, review and change. Some of the major developments in the game find their roots in this meeting.
Forging Ahead:
The organization continues to address such vital issues as junior golf programs, speed of play, environmental concerns and access to facilities. The PGA of America strives to meet the challenges of the growth of the game and take the industry’s lead into the 21st century and beyond.
