The story of the creation of the PGA Tour from the PGA of America is a tale of golf's evolution into a professional sport with a dedicated circuit for top players. It involved visionary leaders, passionate golfers, and a commitment to advancing the game.
The Formation of the PGA of America:
The Professional Golfers' Association of America (PGA of America) was founded in 1916, primarily consisting of club professionals and teaching professionals who played golf as part of their roles at golf clubs. It aimed to promote the sport, improve the skills of golf professionals, and provide a unified voice for its members.
Early Professional Golf Tournaments:
In the early 20th century, professional golf tournaments were often organized haphazardly, without a consistent schedule or structure. Top golfers, including legends like Walter Hagen, competed in various events, but there was no formalized tour.
The Vision of the PGA Tour:
By the late 1920s, some golf professionals began to envision a more organized and structured professional golf circuit. One of the key figures in this movement was Fred Corcoran, a former sportswriter who became a promoter and manager for professional golfers.
The Formation of the PGA Tour:
In 1929, Fred Corcoran, along with a group of leading golf professionals, founded the PGA Tour as a separate entity from the PGA of America. Their goal was to create a professional golf tour that featured regularly scheduled tournaments with consistent prize money.
The First PGA Tour Season:
The PGA Tour's inaugural season took place in 1929-1930 and featured 23 events. The tournament schedule included prestigious events like the Los Angeles Open and the Western Open. The season culminated in the first-ever PGA Championship, which was won by Leo Diegel.
Growth and Expansion:
Over the years, the PGA Tour grew in popularity and stature. Golfers like Bobby Jones, Gene Sarazen, and Ben Hogan became iconic figures in the sport. The tour continued to expand its schedule, attract top players, and offer increasingly significant prize money.
The Rise of Television:
The advent of television in the mid-20th century played a crucial role in popularizing professional golf and the PGA Tour. Broadcasts of major tournaments, such as The Masters and the U.S. Open, brought the sport to a wider audience.
The Modern PGA Tour:
The PGA Tour evolved into a year-round series of events, with a highly competitive schedule and substantial purses. Major championships, including The Masters, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and the PGA Championship, became part of the tour's fabric.
The FedExCup Era:
In 2007, the PGA Tour introduced the FedExCup, a season-long points competition that culminates in a playoff series. It added excitement and drama to the tour's schedule, with the FedExCup champion earning a substantial bonus.
Today, the PGA Tour is a global phenomenon, featuring the world's top golfers competing in prestigious events across the United States and around the world. The tour's success is a testament to the vision of its founders, the dedication of its players, and the enduring appeal of the sport of golf.
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