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Chronology of The PGA of America

Celebrating its 90th anniversary as a leader in golf, The Professional Golfers' Association of America also is committed to developing new programs, which bring both frequent and infrequent players into the game.

Recognizing the passion that millions share for
golf, The PGA of America -- through its more than 28,000 men and women Professionals -- has dedicated itself to the growth of the game.

The PGA's origin can be traced to Jan. 17, 1916, when a group of New York-area golf professionals, accompanied by several prominent amateur golfers, attended a luncheon at the Taplow Club in New York City. The luncheon host was department store magnate Rodman Wanamaker. The purpose of the gathering was to discuss forming a national organization, which would promote interest in the game of golf and help elevate the vocation of golf professionals.

Wanamaker, who viewed the public's growing enthusiasm for golf as the beginning of a national trend, promoted the idea of an association to help accelerate the growth of the game. Little did Wanamaker or his guests realize that they were laying the groundwork for what would become the world's largest working sports organization.

Meetings were held over the next two months, and on April 10, 1916, with constitution and by-laws firmly in hand, 35 charter members created The Professional Golfers' Association of America in New York City. The Association's first order of business was to establish the organization's objectives. The members agreed to the following:

• Promote interest in the game of golf
• Elevate the standards of the golf professional's vocation
• Protect the mutual interest of its members
• Hold meetings and tournaments for the benefit of members
• Assist deserving unemployed members to obtain positions
• Establish a benevolent relief fund for deserving members
• Accomplish any other objective, which may be determined by the Association from time to time