This month, we’re taking a little detour from golf equipment and swing techniques to share the story of the PGA Tour (in a nutshell). The PGA tour 2025 is already in full swing. So, before we dive into the action, let’s take a little stroll down memory lane and chat about something near and dear to the hearts of golf fans (and even those who just enjoy a good underdog story): the history of the PGA Tour.
You know it, you love it, it’s exciting. But have you ever stopped to think about how the PGA Tour actually came to be? It’s a story with a few twists and turns, a bit of drama, and a whole lot of legendary swings. Of course, it also includes the development of a golf empire with equipment, apparel, and an endless array of gadgets to help us improve our game.
The Humble Beginnings – PGA History
So, picture this: it’s the early 20th century. Golf is gaining popularity in the United States. But how about the professional golfers? They weren’t exactly living the high life. Tournaments were often loosely organized, and prize money was… well, let’s just say you weren’t buying a mansion anytime soon. There wasn’t a real, unified structure for the sport.
Then along came the Professional Golfers’ Association of America, or the PGA. Founded in 1916, the initial goal wasn’t solely about running a tour like we know it today. It was more about growing the game, establishing standards for club professionals, and promoting tournaments. Think of them as the original cheerleaders and organizers for pro golf in America. For a good while, the PGA of America was the main deal for pro golf tournaments.
They ran the PGA Championship (which is still major, by the way!) and helped organize other events. But things weren’t always smooth swinging.
PGA History – Bumps in the Road
Leading the charge for these touring pros were some big names you might recognize: Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player. These guys were not just incredible golfers; they were also savvy businessmen who saw the potential for professional golf to become a much bigger deal.
Fast forward to the 1960s. This is where the story gets a little more interesting. There was a growing sense among the touring professionals – the guys playing week in and week out – that their needs and the potential of the tour weren’t being fully realized. They felt like they were the main attraction and wanted more to say in how things were run, especially regarding tournament schedules and prize money.
They had their own leadership and were determined to make the tour more lucrative and appealing for both players and fans. Two organizations with different viewpoints, divided by disagreement about money allocation, ran the professional Golf Tours until 1975.
In 1968, things came to a clash. The touring professionals decided to break away from the PGA of America and form their own organization called the American Professional Golfers, Inc. (APG). It was a bold move, like the star players in any sport deciding they want more control. This new group focused solely on running the professional golf tour.
The story is brilliantly captured in the book “The Story of the PGA Tour”. Of course, the internet nowadays delivers many more famous names of contributors, players, and stories about the monumental development of the sport. The amount of available detailed information could fill many more books or websites for future generations.
PGA History – The Road to Modern Times
PGA Tour – Golf Evolution
So, the PGA of America continued its important work of supporting club professionals and growing the game at a grassroots level. Meanwhile, the PGA Tour focused on organizing and promoting top-level professional tournaments. It was a win-win situation that allowed both sides to thrive.
From its humble beginnings as a loosely organized collection of events to the global phenomenon it is today, the PGA Tour has had quite the journey. Crucially, the technology surrounding golf has also evolved alongside the Tour, playing a vital role in keeping the sport modern and competitive.
Since then, the PGA Tour has grown exponentially. Prize money has skyrocketed, television coverage has become massive, and the level of competition is arguably higher than ever. We’ve seen generations of incredible golfers grace its fairways, creating unforgettable moments and etching their names in history.
Beyond the cutting-edge equipment and expertly crafted golf courses that define modern golf, its true essence lies in the players’ unwavering passion, the foresight of its early leaders, and the game’s intrinsic and lasting charm.
What are some of your favorite PGA Tour moments throughout history? Let’s chat in the comments below!
