The PGA Championship stands as one of golf’s most prestigious tournaments. As the second men's major of the year, it draws the sport’s biggest stars to compete for the coveted Wanamaker Trophy. But how has this championship evolved, and what do recent trends say about the nature of competition?

A Storied History: From Match Play to Major Glory

First held in 1916, the PGA Championship originally used a match-play format before switching to stroke play in 1958. Over the decades, it has crowned both legends and underdogs. Champions such as Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Rory McIlroy have made their marks, while long shots have occasionally shocked the field.

For a complete year-by-year list and results of every winner since the tournament began, check out PGA Championship winners: Year-by-year list of past champions, scores, results - Yahoo Sports. This comprehensive resource showcases how the event has celebrated greatness across more than a century.

Recent Trends: The Age of the Elite

In previous eras, the PGA Championship was famous for its unpredictability—stories of journeymen and Cinderella champions were part of its charm. However, in recent years, the championship has increasingly become the realm of the game's elite.

A deep dive into world rankings and champion ages reveals a big shift. Since 2015, winners at the PGA Championship have typically ranked high on the global stage, while the average champion’s age has dropped. Young power hitters now dominate, and it’s rare for anyone outside the top 40 to lift the trophy. If you’re interested in the end of the underdog era and why top-ranked pros tend to prevail, read PGA Championship 2025: Where have all the Cinderella major winners gone? | GolfDigest.com.

Chasing History: The Career Grand Slam

The PGA Championship is often the missing piece for great players seeking the career Grand Slam—winning all four men’s majors. Rory McIlroy recently achieved this legendary milestone, joining a select club. Among active contenders, Jordan Spieth remains just a PGA Championship away, while others like Jon Rahm and Xander Schauffele chase their own legacies.

If you’d like to explore which golf stars are poised to complete the Grand Slam, These Players Are Most Likely to Win the Career Grand Slam After Rory McIlroy offers detailed analysis and profiles of the top candidates.

Where Legends Are Made

The PGA Championship continues to be a proving ground for golf’s best. While its doors are open to surprises, modern trends show that star power and consistency usually win the day. Yet, every year brings fresh hope, and every champion writes a new page in the tournament’s remarkable history.

Stay tuned for the next chapter, and let the pursuit of the Wanamaker Trophy inspire golf fans everywhere.