The Tin Cup Club joins the show to discuss this week's PGA Championship, the venue, and show much more!

Former PGA Tour player Hunter Mahan was critical of this week's PGA Championship venue. The 42-year-old acknowledged the course was in great shape but added that he feels it’s missing something.

“I guess I would say Quail Hollow is like a Kardashian,” Mahan said. “It’s very modern, beautiful and well-kept. But it lacks a soul or character.”

Agree or disagree?

The PGA Championship is one of golf’s storied majors, rich with tradition and evolution that mirrors the growth of professional golf itself. Here’s a deep dive into its history:

Origins and Early Years

The PGA Championship was inaugurated in 1916 by the PGA of America with the goal of unifying and advancing professional golf. Initially conceived as a tournament for club professionals, its first edition was held at the Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, New York. The early days of the PGA Championship were marked by a competitive spirit among local professionals, setting the stage for the tournament’s future prominence. This event signaled a move toward greater organization and recognition for professional golfers who had long been overshadowed by the more established amateur events.

The Match Play Era

For the first five decades of its existence, the PGA Championship was contested using a match play format. This head-to-head style of competition not only underscored the one-on-one skills of the competitors but also introduced dramatic duel scenarios that captivated audiences. During this period, legendary golfers like Walter Hagen and Sam Snead emerged and made their marks on the tournament. Their repeated successes helped to build the championship’s reputation and contributed to its growing prestige within the golf community.

Transition to Stroke Play

A pivotal change occurred in 1958 when the tournament switched from match play to stroke play. This shift was more than just a change in format; it was a strategic move to align the PGA Championship with evolving broadcast requirements and the increasing appetite for a more straightforward format. Stroke play provided a clearer measure of consistency over the entire tournament and brought the championship closer in line with the other major tournaments. The new format allowed for larger fields and emphasized the importance of every shot taken over the course of four days, thereby enhancing its appeal to both players and spectators.

Evolution and Notable Champions

As the tournament evolved, so too did its roster of champions. The PGA Championship has been won by some of the most iconic names in golf history. The dominance of early champions like Walter Hagen paved the way for future legends. Later, as the event expanded in scope and recognized worldwide, champions such as Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, and more recently Tiger Woods have added chapters to its rich legacy. Each era of winners has contributed to the narrative of endurance, skill, and strategic excellence.

Modern Era and Significance

Over the decades, the PGA Championship has transitioned from a regional contest for club professionals into one of the four major championships in golf. Its rotation among premier golf courses across the United States—and occasionally abroad—has showcased the diversity and beauty of golf course architecture. The modern PGA Championship is celebrated not only for its competitive rigor but also for its role as a bellwether for the sport. The tournament's scheduling, the infusion of modern sponsorships, and extensive media coverage have all played a role in making it an integral part of the global golf calendar.