History of PGA Professional Championship in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 2, 2026

The PGA Professional Championship is a golf tournament organized by the PGA of America for its members who are golf club professionals and teachers. Established in 1968 following the separation of touring professionals to form the PGA Tour, it serves as a prestigious competition for club professionals. Formerly known as the PGA Club Professional Championship until 2006, and subsequently as the PGA Professional National Championship until 2015, the event showcases the skills and talent of golf professionals working within the golf industry.

1968: Tournament Timing

From 1968 the tournament was played in the fall, anywhere from late September to early December.

1968: Inauguration of the PGA Professional Championship

In 1968, the PGA of America established the PGA Professional Championship after touring professionals formed the PGA Tour.

1968: First Edition of the Championship

In 1968, the first PGA Professional Championship was held in Scottsdale, Arizona, in early December.

1994: Reduction in PGA Championship Qualifiers

In 1994, the number of players qualifying for the PGA Championship through this event was reduced from 40 to 25.

1996: Qualification for the PGA Championship

In 1996, only the winner of the event received an entry to the 1997 PGA Championship.

1996: Tournament Timing

Until 1996 the tournament was played in the fall, anywhere from late September to early December.

1997: Change in Tournament Timing

From 1997 the tournament was played in the second half of June, six to seven weeks before the PGA Championship.

1997: Qualification Changes for the PGA Championship

In 1997, due to the change in tournament dates, only the winner of the 1996 event received an entry to the 1997 PGA Championship, with 25 players qualifying through the 1997 event.

2005: Suzy Whaley Makes the Cut

In 2005, Suzy Whaley made the 36-hole cut at the PGA Professional Championship, showcasing the eligibility of women to compete in the event.

2006: Further Reduction in PGA Championship Qualifiers

In 2006, the number of players qualifying for the PGA Championship was further reduced to 20.

2006: Name Change to PGA Professional National Championship

In 2006, the tournament's name was changed to the PGA Professional National Championship from PGA Club Professional Championship.

2015: Name Change

In 2015, the tournament was known as the PGA Professional National Championship.

2016: Karen Paolozzi's Performance and the "Whaley Rule"

In 2016, Karen Paolozzi placed inside the top 20, but was not given entry due to the "Whaley Rule," where women must play from the same tees as the men during both the sectional and national tournaments.