History of Senior PGA Championship in Timeline

The Senior PGA Championship, dating back to 1937, is the oldest major championship in senior men's golf. Administered by the PGA of America, it holds major status on both the PGA Tour Champions and the European Senior Tour since 2007. Victory grants entry into the following year's PGA Championship. Notably, the PGA Tour Champions doesn't recognize winners before the senior tour's inception in 1980 as major champions of this specific event.

1937: Inaugural Senior PGA Championship

In 1937, the Senior PGA Championship was established as the oldest of the five major championships in men's senior golf.

1937: Inaugural event at Augusta National

In 1937, the inaugural Senior PGA Championship was played at Augusta National Golf Club, with Jock Hutchison winning the 54-hole event.

1943: No Tournament

No Senior PGA Championship tournaments were held in 1943 due to World War II.

1944: No Tournament

No Senior PGA Championship tournaments were held in 1944 due to World War II.

1945: Event returned to PGA National Golf Course

In 1945, the Senior PGA Championship returned at the PGA National Golf Course and stayed there until 1962.

1954: 36-hole event

Until 1954, the Senior PGA Championship was a 36-hole event.

1958: Became a 72-hole event

In 1958, the Senior PGA Championship became a 72-hole event, after four years at 54 holes.

1962: Moved from PGA National Golf Course

In 1962, the Senior PGA Championship moved from PGA National Golf Course.

1979: Two Tournaments Played

Due to scheduling moves, two Senior PGA Championship tournaments were played in 1979.

1980: PGA Tour Champions season

Prior to 1980, the first season of the senior tour, winners are not considered major champions of this event by the PGA Tour Champions.

1983: No Tournament Held

No Senior PGA Championship tournaments were held in 1983 due to scheduling moves.

1984: Two Tournaments Played

Due to scheduling moves, two Senior PGA Championship tournaments were played in 1984.

1985: No Tournament Held

No Senior PGA Championship tournaments were held in 1985 due to scheduling moves.

1990: Moved to mid-April

In 1990, the Senior PGA Championship moved from winter to mid-April.

2000: Event moved to different courses

Through 2000, the Senior PGA Championship moved to different courses in Florida.

2001: Rotated to various sites

In 2001, the Senior PGA Championship rotated to various sites and became a late spring event, played in late May or early June.

2007: Official Money Event

Since 2007, the Senior PGA Championship has been an official money event on the European Senior Tour, having previously been an unofficial money event.

2011: Agreement with Whirlpool Corporation

In 2011, the PGA of America and Whirlpool Corporation commenced an agreement which designated the KitchenAid brand as official home appliance brand of the PGA and presenting sponsor of the Senior PGA Championship.

2012: Harbor Shores designated home course

In 2012, Harbor Shores Golf Club in Benton Harbor, Michigan, was designated as the home course of the Senior PGA Championship, hosting in alternate years.