
Confident Swiatek rediscovers ruthless best in Rome
Iga Swiatek shows her dominance with a win over Pegula in Rome, eyeing the French Open!
The PGA of America and the PGA Tour are distinct entities often confused by casual fans. The PGA of America focuses on certifying golf professionals, while the PGA Tour is centered on professional golf tournaments.
Mentioned in this story
For hardcore golf fans, it's easy to tell the difference. But for many casuals, they may not know or have no idea there's a difference between the two. With the PGA Championship upon us, it's a good chance to remind some and educate others.
The PGA of America and the PGA Tour are often interchanged in casual conversation, and the fact both are referred to often as the "PGA" doesn't help the confusion. However, the PGA of America and the PGA Tour are not the same.
Here's a look at what they are and their differences.
The PGA of America is the organization that sets standards for and certifies golf professionals who work as club pros, instructors, directors of golf and more. — golf pros who do not make their livings by playing tournaments but rather by working at golf courses, golf clubs, pro shops, driving ranges and so on. Its headquarters are in Frisco, Texas.
The PGA Tour is a non-profit organization that runs golf tournaments, mostly in the U.S., and includes most of the notable tournaments and best players in the world. Its headquarters are in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
The sign out front of the PGA Tour's Global Home in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
The PGA of America runs the PGA Championship, though the tournament is one of the PGA Tour's official events every year and one of its four major championships. The PGA of America also runs the KPMG Women's PGA Championship as well as the Ryder Cup, which is done in conjunction with Ryder Cup Europe.
No. Each of the four men's majors are conducted by a different governing body. The PGA Tour's two biggest events are the Players Championship and the season-ending Tour Championship.
The PGA of America sets standards for and certifies golf professionals who work at golf courses and clubs, rather than competing in tournaments.
The PGA Tour is primarily focused on organizing and conducting professional golf tournaments, while the PGA of America certifies golf instructors and club professionals.
The headquarters of the PGA of America is located in Frisco, Texas.

Iga Swiatek shows her dominance with a win over Pegula in Rome, eyeing the French Open!
Ulster's Stuart McCloskey sidelined for weeks due to hamstring injury
Colts Schedule Release Rumors: London Game Confirmed
How do Brandon Beane's drafts stack up against other NFL GMs?
Stay updated on the Giants' 2026 schedule: game dates, times, and TV details!
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
The PGA Tour consists of the best golfers in the world. The PGA of America consists of the top golf instructors in the world. Each year, the PGA of America allows 20 professionals a spot in the PGA Championship, and those PGA of America pros can earn their way into the field at the PGA Professional Championship, normally held a couple weeks before the PGA Championship. However, a majority of the PGA Championship field is consisted of PGA Tour golfers and everyone in the PGA Championship must be a professional. It's the lone major that doesn't account for amateurs.
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: What is the difference between the PGA of America and the PGA Tour?