The PGA Championship has been held since 1916, originally as a match-play event. Jack Nicklaus and Walter Hagen are tied for the most titles, each with five wins.
Key points
PGA Championship started in 1916 as a match-play event
Championship paused during World Wars I and II
Changed to stroke play in 1958
Jack Nicklaus and Walter Hagen have five titles each
When the PGA Championship was first played in 1916, it was a match-play event. And that was how the championship was decided for the first 42 years of its playing. The PGA did pause in 1917 and 1918 for World World I and again in 1943 due to World War II.
Then, in 1958 it changed to stroke play and Dow Finsterwald became the first winner after the format changed.
Who has the most PGA titles? That'd be Jack Nicklaus and Walter Hagen, who are tied for the most with five each. Nicklaus won all of his in the stroke play format, while Hagen's five wins all came during match play. No one ever won it in both formats.
Scottie Scheffler holds the Wanamaker Trophy after winning the 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club.
Scottie Scheffler holds the Wanamaker Trophy after winning the 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club.
All the PGA Championship winners from 1958-2025
2025: Scottie Scheffler, Quail Hollow Club
2024: Xander Schauffele, Valhalla
2023: Brooks Koepka, Oak Hill
2022: Justin Thomas, Southern Hills
2021: Phil Mickelson, Kiawah Island
2020: Collin Morikawa, TPC Harding Park
2019: Brooks Koepka, Bethpage Black
2018: Brooks Koepka, Bellerive
2017: Justin Thomas, Quail Hollow Club
2016: Jimmy Walker, Baltusrol
2015: Jason Day, Whistling Straits
2014: Rory McIlroy, Valhall
2013: Jason Dufner, Oak Hill
2012: Rory McIlroy, Kiawah Island
2011: Keegan Bradley, Atlanta Athletic Club
2010: Martin Kaymer, Whistling Straits
2009: Yang Yong-eun, Hazeltine National
2008: Pádraig Harrington, Oakland Hills
2007: Tiger Woods, Southern Hills
2006: Tiger Woods, Medinah
2005: Phil Mickelson, Baltusro
2004: Vijay Singh, Whistling Straits
2003: Shaun Micheel, Oak Hill
Q&A
Who are the most successful players in PGA Championship history?
Jack Nicklaus and Walter Hagen are tied for the most PGA Championship titles, each winning five times.
What year did the PGA Championship change from match play to stroke play?
The PGA Championship changed from match play to stroke play in 1958.
Why was the PGA Championship paused during World War I and II?
The PGA Championship was paused in 1917 and 1918 for World War I and again in 1943 due to World War II.
Who won the 2025 PGA Championship?
Scottie Scheffler won the 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club.
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