History of PGA Tour in Timeline
The PGA Tour is the primary organizer of professional golf tours in North America. It runs the flagship PGA Tour, PGA Tour Champions, Korn Ferry Tour, and PGA Tour Americas. It is a non-profit organization located in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
April 10, 1916: Formation of the Professional Golfers' Association of America (PGA)
On April 10, 1916, the Professional Golfers' Association of America (PGA) was formed, marking the historical roots of what is recognized today as the PGA Tour.
1916: Initial Schedule of the PGA Tour
In 1916, several prestigious golf tournaments including the North and South Open, the Metropolitan Open, the Shawnee Open, the Western Open, the U.S. Open, and the PGA Championship formed the initial schedule of what would later be known as the "PGA Tour".
1929: Formalization of "The Circuit"
In 1929, the professional golfers' circuit in the PGA, known informally as "The Circuit," was formalized with the creation of a tournament committee consisting of Tommy Armour, Al Espinosa, and J.J. Patterson.
1930: Bob Harlow Hired to Manage PGA Tournament Bureau
In 1930, Bob Harlow was hired as manager of the PGA Tournament Bureau and worked to formalize a year-round schedule of tournaments.
1938: Babe Zaharias competes in PGA Tour event
In 1938, Babe Zaharias became the first woman to compete in a PGA Tour event.
1945: Babe Zaharias makes cut in PGA Tour event
In 1945, Babe Zaharias became the first and only woman to make a cut in a PGA Tour event.
1945: Byron Nelson's Record-Breaking Year
In 1945, Byron Nelson had a record-breaking year, winning 18 PGA tournaments, including 11 consecutively.
1948: Inauguration of the PGA Player of the Year Award
In 1948, the PGA of America established the PGA Player of the Year award, originally named the PGA Golfer of the Year.
1958: Arnold Palmer wins the Masters Tournament on CBS
In 1958, Arnold Palmer captured his first Masters Tournament, which was broadcasted on CBS. Palmer was a crowd favorite and TV star.
July 1968: Dissatisfaction Voiced at the PGA Championship
Following the final major in July 1968 at the PGA Championship, leading tour professionals voiced dissatisfaction with the venue and the abundance of club pros in the field.
December 1968: PGA Tour Spun off
In December 1968, the PGA Tour was spun off from the Professional Golfers' Association of America (PGA of America) to form a separate organization for tour players. This separated the tour players from the club professionals who were the focus of the PGA of America.
1968: The Byron Nelson Tournament Named for Byron Nelson
In 1968, The Byron Nelson became the first PGA Tour event to be named for a professional golfer.
January 1969: Joseph Dey Selected as First Commissioner
In January 1969, Joseph Dey, the recently retired USGA executive director, was selected as the tour's first commissioner.
1974: Deane Beman Succeeds Joseph Dey
In early 1974, tour player Deane Beman succeeded Joseph Dey as the tour's commissioner.
1975: Tournament Players Division Renamed PGA Tour
In 1975, the Tournament Players Division officially adopted the name "PGA Tour".
1975: Official Name Change to "PGA Tour"
In 1975, the tour's name officially changed to the "PGA Tour".
1978: PGA Tour Removed its restriction on women
In 1978 the PGA Tour "removed its restriction on women."
1979: Addition of Continental European Players to Ryder Cup
In 1979, players from continental Europe were added to the Ryder Cup team, which, combined with expanded television coverage, led to the event becoming more competitive and popular.
August 1981: PGA Tour Renamed TPA Tour
In late August 1981, the PGA Tour was renamed the TPA Tour due to a marketing dispute with the PGA of America.
March 1982: Name Changed Back to PGA Tour
In March 1982, the tour's name was changed back to the "PGA Tour" after the resolution of disputed issues.
1982: Selection System Change
From 1982 to 2022, the PGA Player of the Year award was selected using a points system based on wins, money list position, and scoring average.
1986: Introduction of the Official World Golf Ranking
In 1986, the Official World Golf Ranking was introduced, leading to competition between the PGA Tour and the European Tour for top golfers.
1990: Introduction of the PGA Tour Player of the Year Award
In 1990, the PGA Tour Player of the Year award, also known as the Jack Nicklaus Trophy, was introduced; the recipient is selected by the tour players by ballot.
1990: Introduction of the Rookie of the Year Award
In 1990, the Rookie of the Year award was introduced, with eligibility requirements based on limited prior PGA Tour event participation.
1990: First PGA Tour Player of the Year Award
The PGA Tour Player of the Year Award was first awarded in 1990.
1992: PGA and PGA Tour Players of the Year
From 1992 through 2018, the PGA and PGA Tour Players of the Year were the same every year.
June 1994: Tim Finchem Becomes Commissioner
In June 1994, Tim Finchem became the third commissioner of the PGA Tour.
1995: The Open Championship Becomes a PGA Tour Event
In 1995, The Open Championship in the UK became a PGA Tour event.
1999: Inauguration of World Golf Championships and Tour Championship
In 1999, the PGA Tour began play of the World Golf Championships and the Tour Championship.
2002: Retroactive Recognition of Open Championship Wins
In 2002, all Open Championship wins dating back to 1860 were retroactively recognized as PGA Tour victories.
2003: Annika Sörenstam and Suzy Whaley play in PGA Tour events
In 2003, Annika Sörenstam and Suzy Whaley played in PGA Tour events.
2004: Michelle Wie plays in PGA Tour events
In 2004, Michelle Wie began competing in PGA Tour events.
2005: Adam Scott at the Nissan Open
In 2005, Adam Scott won the Nissan Open, which was deemed unofficial because it was reverted to the 36-hole score since the tournament was stopped before 54 holes could be completed.
2005: PGA Tour Network Launch on XM Satellite Radio
In 2005, the PGA Tour partnered with XM Satellite Radio to launch the PGA Tour Network, which is now Sirius XM PGA Tour Radio, featuring event coverage and golf-related talk programming.
2005: PGA Tour "Drive to a Billion" Campaign
In 2005, the PGA Tour started a campaign to push its all-time fundraising tally past one billion dollars ("Drive to a Billion"), which it reached one week before the end of the season.
2006: End of Sky Sports Broadcasting
In 2006, Sky Sports ended their run as the main broadcaster of the PGA Tour in the United Kingdom after several years.
2007: Setanta Sports Wins UK and Ireland Rights
In 2007, Setanta Sports secured exclusive UK and Ireland rights for the PGA Tour for six years at a reported cost of £103 million, including Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour events.
2007: The Players Championship Moved to May
In 2007, The Players Championship was moved to May to have a marquee event in five consecutive months.
2007: Introduction of Tournament in Mexico
In 2007, a tournament was introduced in Mexico as an alternate event staged the same week as the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship.
2007: Introduction of the Fall Series
In 2007, the PGA Tour introduced the Fall Series with seven tournaments, held in consecutive weeks following the Tour Championship, to allow less successful players to retain their tour cards.
2007: Golf Channel Becomes Pay Television Rightsholder of PGA Tour
Since 2007, Golf Channel has served as the pay television rightsholder of the PGA Tour.
2008: Michelle Wie continues to play in PGA Tour events
In 2008, Michelle Wie continued to participate in PGA Tour events.
2008: Introduction of Tournament in Puerto Rico
In 2008, a tournament in Puerto Rico was introduced as an alternate event staged opposite the WGC-CA Championship.
2008: Fall Series took a week off for the Presidents Cup.
In 2008, the Fall Series took a week off for the Presidents Cup.
2008: Change in Number of Players Making the Cut
In 2008, the PGA Tour Policy Board approved a change in the number of players that will make the cut, aiming for a post-cut field as close to 70 players as possible without exceeding 78. A revised cut policy was announced in late February, effective beginning with the Honda Classic, calling for 36-hole cut to the low 70 professionals and ties and, if that cut results in more than 78 players, a second 54-hole cut to the low 70 professionals and ties.
2008: Schedule Tweaked
In 2008, the PGA Tour schedule was tweaked slightly.
June 23, 2009: Setanta UK Ceases Broadcasting
On June 23, 2009, Setanta's UK arm went into administration and ceased broadcasting, affecting its PGA Tour coverage.
2009: Eurosport Picks Up TV Rights
In 2009, Eurosport picked up the television rights for the remainder of the season after Setanta ceased broadcasting. Also SBS agreed to extend its contract with the PGA Tour through 2019
2009: Charity fundraising by PGA Tour
In 2009, PGA Tour, PGA Tour Champions and Korn Ferry Tour events raised some $108 million for charity.
2009: Fall Series Changes
In 2009, the Fall Series saw major changes, with one event moving to May and another dropping off the schedule. It returned to its original start date after the Tour Championship, with a week off for the Presidents Cup.
2009: PGA Tour Organization of Events
In 2009, the PGA Tour organized 43 week-to-week events, including The Players Championship and the FedEx Cup events, as well as the biennial Presidents Cup. It also ran the main tournaments on five other tours: PGA Tour Champions, the Korn Ferry Tour (formerly known as Web.com Tour), PGA Tour Canada, PGA Tour China, and PGA Tour Latinoamérica.
2009: Schedule Tweaked Again
In 2009, the PGA Tour schedule was tweaked slightly for another year.
2010: Sky Sports Regains TV Rights and SBS Championship Renamed
In 2010, Sky Sports regained the TV rights with an eight-year deal, and the season's opening tournament was renamed the SBS Championship.
2011: Isabelle Beisiegel earns Tour card on Canadian Tour
In 2011, Isabelle Beisiegel became the first woman to earn a Tour card on a "men's" professional golf tour, the Canadian Tour, now PGA Tour Canada.
2011: Hyundai Takes Over Title Sponsorship
In 2011, Korean automobile manufacturer Hyundai took over the title sponsorship of the SBS Championship, though SBS remained a sponsor of the event.
2011: Reduction of Fall Series to Four Events
In 2011, the Fall Series was reduced to four events, all held after the Tour Championship. This followed the move of the Viking Classic into the regular season as an alternate event.
March 2012: Introduction of PGA Tour Courage Award
In March 2012, the PGA Tour Courage Award was introduced, replacing the Comeback Player of the Year award, to recognize those who have overcome significant adversity to contribute to the game of golf.
March 20, 2012: Announcement of Radical Changes to Tour Season and Qualifying Process
On March 20, 2012, the PGA Tour announced radical changes to the tour's season and qualifying process.
2012: Qualifying Changes Announced
Through 2012, the top 125 players on the money list at the end of the PGA Tour season retained their tour cards.
2012: PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament format
Through the 2012 edition, the top-25 finishers, including ties, received privileges to play on the following year's PGA Tour. Remaining finishers in the top 75, plus ties, received full privileges on the Korn Ferry Tour.
2013: Top Players on Both Money List and FedEx Cup Points List Retained Cards
For the 2013 season only, the top 125 players on both the money list and the FedEx Cup points list at the end of the FedEx Cup regular season in August retained their cards.
2013: Changes to PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament
In 2013, changes were made to the PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament, now officially the Korn Ferry Tour Qualifying Tournament, where all competitors who made the final phase earned status on the Korn Ferry Tour at the start of the following season.
2013: Details of Qualifying Changes Announced
In 2013, details of changes to the Fall Series were announced on June 26, with remaining details announced on July 10 and a minor tweak effective for the 2013 season only on September 11.
2013: CIMB Classic and HSBC Champions become full PGA Tour events
In 2013, the CIMB Classic in Malaysia and the HSBC Champions in China became full PGA Tour events, offering official prize money for the first time. Previously, these events, though sanctioned by the Tour, did not have full PGA Tour status. CIMB Classic wins were not considered official, and HSBC Champions victories were official only for PGA Tour members. Money earned didn't count as official PGA Tour earnings.
2013: Changes to Korn Ferry Tour privileges for PGA Tour season
Since 2013, 50 Korn Ferry Tour golfers earn privileges during the next PGA Tour season. The top 25 money winners over the regular season receive PGA Tour cards, as do the top 25 money winners in the Finals. A golfer who wins three events on that tour in a calendar year earns a "performance promotion" which garners PGA Tour privileges for the remainder of the year plus the following full season.
2013: Sirius XM PGA Tour Radio adds Golf Channel Simulcasts
Since 2013, Sirius XM PGA Tour Radio has included audio simulcasts of selected Golf Channel programs.
2013: Last Season Before Transition to Two-Year Schedule
The 2013 season was the last before the PGA Tour transitioned to a schedule spanning two calendar years, featuring 40 official-money events in 38 weeks and including the biennial Presidents Cup.
2013: Last Calendar-Year Season
The 2013 season was the last to be conducted entirely within a calendar year.
2014: FedEx Cup points list changes
In 2014, the PGA tour implemented changes where the top 125 players on the FedEx Cup points list would retain their tour cards. The next 75 players on the points list, along with the top 75 on the Korn Ferry Tour money list, became eligible for the Korn Ferry Tour Finals in September. At the end of the Finals, 50 PGA Tour cards were awarded for the next season.
2014: Start of Season Spanning Two Calendar Years
Since the 2014 season, the PGA Tour season starts in October of the previous calendar year, with the Fall Series tournaments awarded full FedEx Cup points.
2015: PGA Tour exemption freeze clause for military service
In 2015, the PGA Tour added a clause which would freeze an exemption for those required to perform military service in their native countries, responding to South Korea's Bae Sang-moon having to leave the Tour for that reason.
2016: PGA Tour Live Pilot
At the end of the 2016 season, there was a pilot program to test carrying portions of the PGA Tour Live coverage for free via the PGA Tour's Twitter account.
2016: PGA Tour Priority Ranking System
In 2016, the PGA Tour maintained a priority ranking system that is used to select the fields for most tournaments on tour. The text describes the 2016-17 ranking system, in order of priority.
January 1, 2017: Jay Monahan Becomes Commissioner
On January 1, 2017, Jay Monahan succeeded Tim Finchem as the commissioner of the PGA Tour.
2017: PGA Tour Live Coverage on Twitter
In 2017, portions of the PGA Tour Live coverage were carried for free via the PGA Tour's Twitter account, following a pilot at the end of the 2016 season.
2017: PGA Tour Decides Against Opting Out of Broadcast Contracts
In 2017, the PGA Tour considered invoking an option to opt out of its broadcast television contracts but ultimately decided against doing so.
2017: Charity fundraising by PGA Tour
In 2017, the PGA Tour generated $180 million for charities through the tournaments of its six tours.
June 2018: Discovery Acquires PGA Tour International Media Rights
In June 2018, Discovery, Inc. acquired exclusive international media rights to the PGA Tour outside of the United States, starting in 2019, under a 12-year, US$2 billion deal.
2018: PGA and PGA Tour Players of the Year
From 1992 through 2018, the PGA and PGA Tour Players of the Year were the same every year.
January 2019: GolfTV Launch
In January 2019, the international PGA Tour over-the-top subscription service, GolfTV, was launched in several markets, replacing PGA Tour Live.
2019: PGA Tour Live Operation under NBC Sports Gold
In 2019, PGA Tour Live began operating under NBC Sports' subscription streaming platform NBC Sports Gold, adding featured holes coverage during Golf Channel's windows.
2019: SBS contract extension ends
In 2019, SBS's contract with the PGA Tour expired.
June 2020: PGA Tour University Creation
In June 2020, the PGA Tour announced the creation of PGA Tour University, a scheme to create pathways for collegiate golfers to join development tours operated by the PGA Tour.
2020: Reduced Cut Line
For the 2020 season, the cut line was reduced to 65 plus ties and the 54-hole cut was eliminated.
2020: PGA Tour Broadcast Rights Renewal
In 2020, the PGA Tour renewed its contracts with CBS Sports and NBC Sports to last through 2030.
2021: End of PGA Tour Live Operation under NBC Sports Gold
In 2021, PGA Tour Live ended its operation under NBC Sports Gold.
2021: PGA Tour Expresses Concerns Over LIV Golf
In late 2021, the PGA Tour began communicating with White House officials and members of Congress to voice concerns about LIV Golf proposals. The tour also paid over $400,000 to the firm DLA Piper to lobby lawmakers for various topics including LIV Golf proposals.
2021: Sirius XM Contract Renewal
The PGA Tour's contract with Sirius XM was renewed through 2021.
June 2022: PGA Tour Suspends Players for Participating in LIV Golf
In June 2022, the PGA Tour suspended 17 players who participated in the inaugural LIV Golf Invitational Series event. PGA Tour members that joined LIV Golf included major champions Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, Patrick Reed, Dustin Johnson, and Phil Mickelson, and the Tour communicated that any players taking part in future LIV Golf events will face the same punishment.
August 2022: LIV Golf Players File Antitrust Lawsuit Against PGA Tour
In August 2022, 11 players who had joined LIV Golf filed an antitrust lawsuit against the PGA Tour to challenge their suspensions. Three players failed to obtain a temporary restraining order to allow them to participate in the FedEx Cup playoffs.
November 2022: PGA Tour University System Modification
In November 2022, the PGA Tour University system was modified, with the top-ranked collegiate golfer being immediately awarded membership on the PGA Tour beginning in 2023.
2022: Last PGA Player of the Year Award Given
In 2022, the PGA Player of the Year award was last given.
2022: Multiple PGA Player of the Year Awards
Through 2022, multiple players have won more than one PGA Player of the Year Award.
2022: PGA Tour Live moves to ESPN+
Under the 2022–2030 contract, PGA Tour Live moved back to ESPN+.
June 6, 2023: PGA Tour, PGA European Tour, and LIV Golf Announce Merger Agreement
On June 6, 2023, the PGA Tour, PGA European Tour, and LIV Golf announced an agreement to merge their commercial rights into a single, for-profit entity. The Saudi Public Investment Fund will initially be the "exclusive investor" with right of first refusal for future investments, while the PGA Tour will appoint the majority of the board members and have its commissioner Jay Monahan act as CEO. The agreement ends all pending litigation between the organizations, and includes plans for a "fair and objective" process to readmit players blacklisted by the PGA Tour for defecting to LIV.
September 2023: Trial Scheduled for Antitrust Lawsuit
The trial for the antitrust lawsuit filed by LIV Golf players against the PGA Tour was scheduled to begin in September 2023.
October 2023: First Player to Earn PGA Tour Card Through PGA Tour University Accelerated Program
In October 2023, following the World Team Amateur Championship in Dubai, Gordon Sargent reached the 20-point threshold and became the first ever player to earn PGA Tour card through PGA Tour University Accelerated program.
December 31, 2023: Deadline for PGA Tour, PGA European Tour, and LIV Golf Deal
The deadline for completing the merger deal between the PGA Tour, PGA European Tour, and LIV Golf was set for December 31, 2023, although reports indicated potential negotiations for an extension.
January 31, 2024: PGA Tour Agrees to $3 Billion Investment by Strategic Sports Group
On January 31, 2024, the PGA Tour announced an agreement for a $3 billion investment by Strategic Sports Group into its for-profit arm, PGA Tour Enterprises. The consortium will pay $1.5 billion initially, followed by another $1.5 billion after negotiations conclude between the PGA Tour and the Saudi Public Investment Fund. Active players will also have the opportunity to receive equity grants in PGA Tour Enterprises.
2024: Gordon Sargent deferred his PGA Tour membership
After earning his PGA Tour card in October 2023, Gordon Sargent deferred his membership and returned for his senior year at Vanderbilt. He is eligible to take up the membership following the conclusion of 2024 NCAA Division I Championship
2024: The Byron Nelson played annually near Dallas
As of 2024, The Byron Nelson is played annually near Dallas.
2024: Top Ten Career Money Leaders
As of the 2024 season, this entry refers to the top ten career money leaders on the PGA Tour.
2024: PGA Tour University changes
In 2024, PGA Tour University gave PGA Tour Americas cards to golfers who finished 11th-25th (up from 20th) in the rankings and entry into the second stage of PGA Tour Q School. Those 6th through 10th are conditionally exempt on the Korn Ferry Tour, fully exempt on PGA Tour Americas, and earn entry into the second stage of Q School.
2024: Multiple PGA Tour Player of the Year Awards
Through 2024, multiple players have won more than one PGA Tour Player of the Year Award since it was first awarded in 1990.
2030: PGA Tour Live on ESPN+
PGA Tour Live will be on ESPN+ until 2030 due to the contract started in 2022.
2030: End of PGA Tour broadcast rights contracts
The PGA Tour's broadcast television rights contracts with CBS Sports and NBC Sports, most recently renewed in 2020, are set to expire in 2030.
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