The History of the PGA Tour: Golf’s Journey Through the Decades

13 December 2025

Golf is one of those sports that exudes tradition, precision, and a dash of patience. But have you ever wondered how this elegant game evolved over time, especially in the context of the PGA Tour? It’s been a wild ride, with twists, turns, and leaps that have shaped the game we know today. So, grab your clubs (or just your coffee) and let’s take a leisurely stroll down memory lane to explore the history of the PGA Tour and how it became the iconic institution it is now.

The Early Days: A Humble Beginning

The story of the PGA (Professional Golfers' Association) Tour starts way back in the early 20th century. Golf, in its essence, had been around for centuries, but professional golf in America was still in its infancy.

Back in the day, golf wasn’t the glamorous, globally celebrated sport that we see now. It was more of a pastime for the elite, a quiet game played on lush green courses far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The idea of a "tour" was almost non-existent. Professional golfers were essentially nomads, traveling from city to city and competing in local tournaments wherever they could find them.

In 1916, something changed. The birth of the Professional Golfers' Association of America (PGA of America) marked a pivotal moment. The organization was established to promote interest in golf, elevate the profession, and create a sense of unity among golfers. Shortly after, they began organizing tournaments, which laid the foundation for what would eventually become the PGA Tour.

The First PGA Championship

Just a few months after the PGA was established, the inaugural PGA Championship took place. It was held at the Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, New York. Walter Hagen, a name that would become synonymous with golf greatness, took home the prestigious prize.

The event was a success, and it became clear that professional golf had a future in America. Slowly but surely, more tournaments were organized, and the sport began to grow in popularity.

The Roaring Twenties and Thirties: Golf Gains Momentum

As the 1920s rolled around, the sport began to gain momentum. Golf courses started popping up all over the country, and more players entered the professional ranks. It was during this period that golf began to capture the imagination of the general public.

Walter Hagen, known for his flamboyant personality and undeniable skill, was one of the sport's first real superstars. He won 11 major championships during his career and helped elevate golf to new heights. Hagen wasn’t just a great golfer; he was a showman. He brought a level of excitement and flair to the game that drew in crowds and helped the PGA Tour gain traction.

Another big name from this era was Bobby Jones. While Jones was technically an amateur, his impact on the sport cannot be overstated. He famously won the Grand Slam in 1930, capturing all four major championships in a single calendar year. His success and sportsmanship did wonders for the game’s reputation and popularity.

Post-War Golf Boom: The 1940s and 1950s

World War II put a bit of a damper on the PGA Tour, as many players enlisted in the military, and golf courses were repurposed for the war effort. But after the war ended, the Tour came back stronger than ever.

The 1940s and 1950s saw the rise of Ben Hogan, another legend whose name is etched in the annals of golf history. Hogan is known for his incredible work ethic, almost single-handedly reinventing the mechanics of the golf swing. After a near-fatal car accident in 1949, Hogan made a miraculous recovery and went on to win several major championships, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest golfers of all time.

During this post-war era, golf became more accessible to the public. Advances in media, particularly radio and television, allowed more people to follow the game, and the PGA Tour began to attract larger audiences.

The Television Era: A Game-Changer

Speaking of television, let’s not forget the monumental impact it had on the PGA Tour. The 1950s marked the beginning of televised golf, which completely changed the game. Suddenly, people who had never set foot on a golf course could watch the sport from the comfort of their living room.

The exposure that television provided helped the PGA Tour grow exponentially. It wasn’t just about the players anymore; it was about the spectacle. Golf was no longer an elite pastime—it was a sport for everyone, and the Tour quickly became one of the most-watched sporting events on TV.

The 1960s and 1970s: Enter Arnie and Jack

If you could pinpoint a period that truly defined the PGA Tour, it would likely be the 1960s and 1970s. This was the era of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player—often referred to as "The Big Three."

Arnold Palmer was the everyman’s golfer. He played with a swashbuckling style and had a magnetic personality that drew in fans like never before. “Arnie’s Army,” as his legion of fans was known, followed him from tournament to tournament, cheering him on with a fervor that was more akin to a rock concert than a golf event. Palmer’s rise to fame coincided with the growth of televised golf, and he was instrumental in turning the game into a spectator sport.

Then came Jack Nicklaus, widely regarded as the greatest golfer of all time. Nicklaus was the yin to Palmer’s yang. Where Palmer was fiery and aggressive, Nicklaus was calm and calculated. His methodical approach to the game earned him 18 major championships, a record that still stands today.

Gary Player, meanwhile, brought an international flavor to the game. The South African golfer was known for his exceptional fitness and dedication to the sport. He won nine major championships during his career and is one of only five players to complete the career Grand Slam.

Together, Palmer, Nicklaus, and Player elevated the PGA Tour to new heights, attracting global attention and setting the stage for the modern era of professional golf.

The 1980s and 1990s: Corporate Sponsorship and Global Expansion

As the PGA Tour entered the 1980s, it became clear that golf was no longer just a sport—it was a business. Corporate sponsorships became a huge part of the Tour, with companies like IBM, AT&T, and FedEx pouring millions of dollars into the game. The prize money for tournaments skyrocketed, and golfers became bona fide celebrities.

This era also saw the globalization of golf. While the PGA Tour was still primarily based in America, more international players began to make their mark. Seve Ballesteros from Spain, Greg Norman from Australia, and Nick Faldo from England all became household names, proving that golf was no longer an American-centric sport.

Television deals became more lucrative, and the PGA Tour began to expand its reach, with more tournaments held outside the United States. The sport was evolving, and the Tour was evolving with it.

The Tiger Woods Era: A New Chapter

When you talk about the history of the PGA Tour, it’s impossible to ignore the impact of Tiger Woods. His arrival on the scene in the late 1990s was nothing short of revolutionary. Woods wasn’t just a golfer—he was a cultural phenomenon.

In 1997, at the tender age of 21, Woods won the Masters in dominating fashion, setting a new record by finishing 12 strokes ahead of the competition. His combination of power, precision, and charisma brought a whole new audience to the game. Suddenly, golf wasn’t just for the older generation—it was cool again.

Tiger’s influence on the PGA Tour cannot be overstated. He brought unprecedented levels of attention and sponsorship money to the game. Television ratings soared, and attendance at tournaments reached new highs. Woods won 15 major championships during his career (and counting), and his presence helped usher in a new era of golf.

The Modern PGA Tour: A Global Phenomenon

Today, the PGA Tour is a global phenomenon. What started as a handful of tournaments in the early 20th century has blossomed into a worldwide spectacle, with events held on every continent and millions of fans tuning in from every corner of the globe.

Players like Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, and Brooks Koepka have carried the torch into the modern era, while veterans like Phil Mickelson continue to captivate audiences. The Tour now features multiple formats, including the FedEx Cup Playoffs, offering staggering prize money and year-round action.

With advancements in technology, from high-definition broadcasts to real-time stats and social media engagement, the game is more accessible than ever before. The PGA Tour has come a long way from its humble beginnings, and it shows no signs of slowing down.

Conclusion

The history of the PGA Tour is a story of evolution, resilience, and innovation. From the early days of Walter Hagen and Ben Hogan to the modern era of Tiger Woods and beyond, the Tour has been shaped by the personalities and events that have defined it. What started as a niche sport for the elite has grown into a global spectacle, captivating millions of fans around the world.

Who knows what the next chapter will bring? One thing’s for sure: the PGA Tour’s journey through the decades has been nothing short of legendary.