Introduction

The PGA Championship is one of the four major tournaments in professional golf, alongside The Masters, U.S. Open, and The Open Championship. Since its inception in 1916, the tournament has been a cornerstone of the golfing world, interrupted only by the two World Wars. The winner is awarded the Wanamaker Trophy, a symbol of excellence in the sport.

Historical Overview

The PGA Championship initially used a match-play format until it transitioned to stroke play in 1958. This change marked a significant evolution in the tournament's structure, making it more accessible and competitive for a broader range of players.

Legendary Winners

Jack Nicklaus and Walter Hagen are tied for the most PGA Championship titles, each with five victories. Nicklaus's wins span from 1963 to 1980, showcasing his dominance over nearly two decades. Hagen's victories, from 1921 to 1927, highlight his prowess in the early years of the tournament.

Recent Champions

In recent years, the PGA Championship has seen a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars. Xander Schauffele claimed the title in 2024, adding his name to the illustrious list of winners. Other notable recent champions include Brooks Koepka, who won in 2018, 2019, and 2023, and Justin Thomas, who secured victories in 2017 and 2022.

Full List of Winners

Here is a comprehensive list of all PGA Championship winners from 1916 to the present:

• 2024: Xander Schauffele
• 2023: Brooks Koepka
• 2022: Justin Thomas
• 2021: Phil Mickelson
• 2020: Collin Morikawa
• 2019: Brooks Koepka
• 2018: Brooks Koepka
• 2017: Justin Thomas
• 2016: Jimmy Walker
• 2015: Jason Day
• 2014: Rory McIlroy
• 2013: Jason Dufner
• 2012: Rory McIlroy
• 2011: Keegan Bradley
• 2010: Martin Kaymer
• 2009: Yong-eun Yang
• 2008: Padraig Harrington
• 2007: Tiger Woods
• 2006: Tiger Woods
• 2005: Phil Mickelson
• 2004: Vijay Singh
• 2003: Shaun Micheel
• 2002: Rich Beem
• 2001: David Toms
• 2000: Tiger Woods
• 1999: Tiger Woods
• 1998: Vijay Singh
• 1997: Davis Love III
• 1996: Mark Brooks
• 1995: Steve Elkington
• 1994: Nick Price
• 1993: Paul Azinger
• 1992: Nick Price
• 1991: John Daly
• 1990: Wayne Grady
• 1989: Payne Stewart
• 1988: Jeff Sluman
• 1987: Larry Nelson
• 1986: Bob Tway
• 1985: Hubert Green
• 1984: Lee Trevino
• 1983: Hal Sutton
• 1982: Ray Floyd
• 1981: Larry Nelson
• 1980: Jack Nicklaus
• 1979: David Graham
• 1978: John Mahaffey
• 1977: Lanny Wadkins
• 1976: Dave Stockton
• 1975: Jack Nicklaus
• 1974: Lee Trevino
• 1973: Jack Nicklaus
• 1972: Gary Player
• 1971: Jack Nicklaus
• 1970: Dave Stockton
• 1969: Ray Floyd
• 1968: Julius Boros
• 1967: Don January
• 1966: Al Geiberger
• 1965: Dave Marr
• 1964: Bobby Nichols
• 1963: Jack Nicklaus
• 1962: Gary Player
• 1961: Jerry Barber
• 1960: Jay Hebert
• 1959: Bob Rosburg
• 1958: Dow Finsterwald

Match-Play Era

Before the switch to stroke play, the PGA Championship was decided through match play. Some of the notable winners from this era include:

• 1957: Lionel Hebert
• 1956: Jack Burke Jr.
• 1955: Doug Ford
• 1954: Chick Harbert
• 1953: Walter Burkemo
• 1952: Jim Turnsea
• 1951: Sam Snead
• 1950: Chandler Harper
• 1949: Sam Snead
• 1948: Ben Hogan
• 1947: Jim Ferrier
• 1946: Ben Hogan
• 1945: Byron Nelson
• 1944: Bob Hamilton
• 1943: Canceled due to World War II
• 1942: Sam Snead
• 1941: Vic Ghezzi
• 1940: Byron Nelson
• 1939: Henry Picard
• 1938: Paul Runyan
• 1937: Denny Shute
• 1936: Denny Shute
• 1935: Johnny Revolta
• 1934: Paul Runyan
• 1933: Gene Sarazen
• 1932: Olin Dutra
• 1931: Tom Creavy
• 1930: Tommy Armour
• 1929: Leo Diegel
• 1928: Leo Diegel
• 1927: Walter Hagen
• 1926: Walter Hagen
• 1925: Walter Hagen
• 1924: Walter Hagen
• 1923: Gene Sarazen
• 1922: Gene Sarazen
• 1921: Walter Hagen
• 1920: Jock Hutchison
• 1919: Jim Barnes
• 1918: Canceled due to World War I
• 1917: Canceled due to World War I
• 1916: Jim Barnes

Conclusion

The PGA Championship continues to be a highlight of the golfing calendar, attracting the best players from around the world. Its rich history and prestigious list of winners make it a tournament that every golfer aspires to win. For more updates and in-depth analysis, visit the ESPN golf hub page.