The PGA Championship has long been one of golf's most storied major events, but it's the traditions behind the tournament that truly capture the imagination. Since 1965, the PGA of America has gathered its past champions for an exclusive dinner—a celebration that, while inspired by the Masters, has carved out its own unique legacy.
It all began more than six decades ago when PGA President Warren Cantrell decided to borrow a page from Augusta National's playbook. The Masters Champions Dinner, first hosted by Ben Hogan in 1952, had quickly become the most coveted supper in the game. Cantrell saw an opportunity to create something similar for the PGA Championship, and in the fall of 1964, he approached reigning champion Bobby Nichols with the idea.
"He wanted to establish an annual champions dinner like the Masters, and he asked me to host. I was honored, of course," Nichols recalled via email.
At the time, there were 30 past winners of the championship, which dates back to 1916. Nichols was delighted to discover one key difference from the Masters tradition: he wouldn't be expected to pick up the dinner tab. (At Augusta, the newest green jacket winner settles the check at the end of the evening.)
The first dinner took place at the 1965 championship at Laurel Valley Golf Club in Ligonier, Pennsylvania. Nineteen men attended, including legends Byron Nelson, Sam Snead, and Gene Sarazen—each of whom already received Masters dinner invitations. The photograph from that night captures a who's who of golf royalty: front row featuring Nichols, Gary Player, Jerry Barber, Jay Hebert, Bob Rosburg, Dow Finsterwald, and Jackie Burke; middle row with Doug Ford, Chick Harbert, Jim Turnesa, Snead, Chandler Harper, and Jim Ferrier; back row including Vic Ghezzi, Nelson, Denny Shute, Paul Runyan, Sarazen, and Tom Creavy.
Notably absent was Hogan himself, who made his final PGA Championship appearance that year. Perhaps he figured starting one dinner tradition was enough. Also missing was Jack Nicklaus, the 1963 winner who had finished runner-up to Nichols the previous year.
Over the decades, the evening has evolved—from the menu to the guest list to the atmosphere—but the core intent remains unchanged: to celebrate the accomplishments of those who have hoisted the Wanamaker Trophy. For golf fans and players alike, it's a reminder that while the competition on the course is fierce, the bonds forged through championship glory last a lifetime.