April 10
PGA DAY
Inaugurated in 1916, the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) held its first championship tournament on this day. This first PGA Championship title went to Britisher, Jim Barnes. Barnes won the match-play event at Siwanoy golf course in Bronxville, NY and was presented with a trophy and the major share of the $2,580 purse.
Much has changed in the PGA since that spring day in 1916. The event was changed to a 72-hole, stroke-play game in 1958. The LPGA for women golfers was instituted in 1950 and the Senior PGA Tour for players 50 and older began in 1982.
Two players have won the title five times: Walter Hagen and Jack Nicklaus. Hagen also holds the record for most consecutive wins from 1924 through 1927. The lowest 72-hole total of 271 was garnered by Bobby Nichols in 1964. The honors of being the oldest champion belongs to Julius Boros. He won in 1968 at the age of 48 plus 140 days; while Gene Sarazen was given the title of youngest champion. In 1922, Gene was just 20 years and 173 days old when he took home the PGA title.
We won’t even mention what today’s PGA purses are worth. Fore!
Those Were the Days, the Today in History service from 440 International
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