History of Senior PGA Championship in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 17, 2026

The Senior PGA Championship, dating back to 1937, holds the distinction of being the oldest major championship in senior men's golf. Organized by the PGA of America, it's a major recognized by both the PGA Tour Champions and the European Senior Tour, becoming an official money event for the latter in 2007. Winning the Senior PGA Championship grants entry to the subsequent PGA Championship. Note that the PGA Tour Champions does not recognize pre-1980 winners as major champions of this event.

1937: Senior PGA Championship Established

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

1937: Inaugural Senior PGA Championship

In 1937, the inaugural Senior PGA Championship was played at Augusta National Golf Club, with Jock Hutchison winning the 54-hole event on Thursday, December 2.

1943: No Tournament Held

In 1943, no Senior PGA Championship tournament was held due to World War II.

1944: No Tournament Held

In 1944, no Senior PGA Championship tournament was held due to World War II.

1945: Event Returns

In 1945, the Senior PGA Championship event returned at the PGA National Golf Course, where it stayed until 1962.

1954: 36-hole Event Until 1954

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

1958: Becomes a 72-Hole Event

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

1962: End of Stay at PGA National Golf Course

In 1962, the Senior PGA Championship concluded its run at the PGA National Golf Course.

1979: Two Tournaments Played

In 1979, due to scheduling moves, two Senior PGA Championship tournaments were played.

1980: Start of senior tour

In 1980, the first season of the senior tour began, marking a distinction for the PGA Tour Champions regarding major champions of the Senior PGA Championship.

1983: No Tournament Held

In 1983, no Senior PGA Championship tournament was held.

1984: Two Tournaments Played

In 1984, due to scheduling moves, two Senior PGA Championship tournaments were played.

1985: No Tournament Held

In 1985, no Senior PGA Championship tournament was held.

1990: Move to Mid-April

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

2000: Event Held in Florida

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

2001: Event Became a Late Spring Event

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

2007: Senior PGA Championship Becomes Official Money Event

In 2007, the Senior PGA Championship became an official money event on the European Senior Tour, having previously been an unofficial money event. Winners gain entry into the next PGA Championship.

2011: PGA of America and Whirlpool Corporation Agreement

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.