People represent success of 90 years of excellence

The names who have defined The PGA of America read like a Who's Who of golf. Rodman Wanamaker. Walter Hagen. Gene Sarazen. Byron Nelson. Sam Snead. Ben Hogan. Arnold Palmer. Jack Nicklaus. Tiger Woods. And so many others.

By Michael R. Abramowitz, PGA of America

While reflecting on the 90th anniversary of The PGA of America, one gets a sense of the tremendous pride for the Association's rich history, its members' dedication to the game and their deeprooted passion for its growth. While the Association is reaching a major milestone for 90 years of growing the game and business of golf, it is the people who represent its now 28,000-plus strong membership who have made it thrive.

Consider the names who have defined The PGA of America since 1916. From Rodman Wanamaker to Roger Warren. From Jim Barnes to Phil Mickelson. From Jim Awtrey to Joe Steranka. And in between, the likes of Walter Hagen, Horton Smith, Gene Sarazen, Byron Nelson, Sam Snead, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. Not to mention legendary PGA Professionals and instructors, such as PGA Past Presidents George Jacobus and Ed Dudley, plus Bill Strausbaugh Jr.

While 90th anniversary lists inevitably leave off deserving members, they shape the scope and impact of a thriving organization whose brand name encompasses the history of golf.

"Our storied history is something we all can be proud of," says PGA President Roger Warren. "Every member who has taken part in the foremost Association for the game should pause and reflect on the tremendous accomplishment we have all achieved. Indeed, The PGA of America has made a lasting difference in the game."

From its players to its teaching Professionals to its business leaders, The PGA has shaped an industry that has grown to $62 billion in sales on an annual basis. Meanwhile, The PGA of America will celebrate its "90 Years of Excellence" throughout the year, highlighted by a celebration in New York City in April 2006.

"It's exciting that the 90th Anniversary of The PGA also commences the Association's 'Decade of Excellence,' as The PGA moves closer to its Centennial Celebration," says Joe Steranka, chief executive officer of The PGA of America. "The PGA is committed to developing programs during this time that grow the game of golf and position PGA Professionals as the industry's foremost businessmen and women."

The creation of The PGA is a well-known story worth repeating. On Jan. 17, 1916, department store magnet Wanamaker invited a group of golf professionals and top amateurs to lunch at New York City's Taplow Club. Wanamaker successfully pitched his notion that golf professionals could sell more equipment if they formed an Association.

The idea took off, and on April 10, 1916, The PGA of America was born. Six months later, Barnes would capture the first PGA Championship at Siwanoy Country Club, in Bronxville, N.Y. Wanamaker donated the $2,580 purse and the coveted trophy that still bears his name.

"In honor of our 90th Anniversary, I ask each PGA Professional to do their part to grow the game in 2006," says Warren. "What better way to celebrate the history of the game and The PGA of America than to create a program that brings in new players to golf, share a Best Practice with other members, or promote a new event at your facility."

By embracing one or more of these objectives during 2006, you are also in a sense joining hands with the 35 charter members of The PGA of America in promoting the ideals that have shaped an industry for 90 years.

Now that's history.