The Wanamaker Trophy has traveled countless miles, weathered near-disasters and emerged as a glittering symbol of glory in golf. Its silver curves have been kissed by legends, misplaced in basements and raised in roaring triumphs.
Born in 1916 from the vision of department store magnate Rodman Wanamaker, the trophy carries more than just weight — it carries a century of stories. From Walter Hagen’s swagger to present-day champs, it has seen it all.
Yet, beyond the shine and spectacle, the legacy hides charming quirks and near-mythic tales. To understand the heart of the PGA Championship, one must first understand the history and the fun behind its most prized possession.
How the Wanamaker Trophy came to be
In 1916, department store magnate Rodman Wanamaker envisioned elevating professional golf’s stature in America. He convened a meeting at New York’s Taplow Club, leading to the formation of the Professional Golfers’ Association of America.
A detailed view of the Wanamaker Trophy as seen on the first tee during the final round of the 2021 PGA Championship held on May 23, 2021. (Source: Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images)
To commemorate this, Wanamaker funded a $2,500 prize and commissioned a silver trophy for a new tournament: the PGA Championship, according to sources like Golf Monthly.
The inaugural PGA Championship took place in October 1916 at Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, New York. The final match saw Jim Barnes narrowly defeat Jock Hutchison, earning the distinction of being the first name engraved on the trophy.
Designed by Dieges & Clust, it was intended to symbolize the prestige of professional golf. Its creation marked a significant step in recognizing and celebrating the achievements of professional golfers in the United States.
Why the Wanamaker Trophy’s size matches its prestige?
The Wanamaker Trophy is renowned not just for its history but also for its impressive dimensions. Standing 28 inches tall, 10.5 inches in diameter and 27 inches from handle to handle, it weighs a substantial 27 pounds, making it the largest and heaviest trophy among golf’s major championships.
The Wanamaker trophy is seen on the first tee during the first round of the 2022 PGA Championship at Southern Hills Country Club on May 19, 2022. (Source: Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
This grandeur has led to memorable moments, such as in 1963 when Jack Nicklaus found the trophy too hot to handle after it had been left in the sun during the Dallas Athletic Club’s sweltering summer.
Winners of the PGA Championship are awarded the original trophy to keep for a year. Afterward, they receive a 9:10 scale replica to commemorate their victory permanently, as National Club Golfer reported.
The Wanamaker’s journey through golf’s greatest eras
Over the decades, the Wanamaker Trophy has been held aloft by golf legends, each adding to its storied legacy. Walter Hagen’s dominance in the 1920s, with five PGA Championship wins, set a high bar for excellence.
Players like Brooks Koepka have etched their names into the trophy’s history. His back-to-back victories in 2018 and 2019 showcased his resilience, particularly in 2019 when he overcame a challenging final round to retain his title.
Xander Schauffele of the United States poses with the Wanamaker Trophy after winning the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club on May 19, 2024. (Source: Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The trophy has also been part of celebratory traditions. In 2024, Xander Schauffele celebrated his first major win by drinking champagne from the Wanamaker Trophy, a moment that highlighted both his achievement and the trophy’s symbolic significance.
The most memorable moments around the trophy
One of the most intriguing tales involves Walter Hagen, who, after winning the 1925 PGA Championship, reportedly handed the trophy to a taxi driver to deliver to his hotel while he continued celebrating.
The trophy went missing for five years, only to be discovered in 1930 in the basement of L.A. Young & Company, his golf club manufacturer. This led the PGA of America to create a replica trophy, ensuring that future champions would have a version to display while the original remained safeguarded.
Such stories contribute to the rich tapestry of the Wanamaker Trophy’s history, making it not just a symbol of victory but also a repository of golf’s most captivating narratives.
