Is there a green jacket ceremony at the PGA Championship? Exploring the major's celebratory traditions

PGA Championship - Final Round
PGA Championship - Final Round

As golf fans anticipate the annual PGA Championship, one of the sport's major championships, it's critical to grasp the specific traditions that set it different from other important events.

While the Master's Tournament is linked with the legendary Green Jacket, the PGA Championship has its own set of beloved traditions. In this article, we dig into the PGA's distinctive celebrating customs, focusing on the famed PGA Championship supper and the prestigious Wanamaker Trophy.

Unlike the Green Jacket ceremony at the Masters, the PGA Championship forges its own path, honoring champions and defining its individual character through these respected practices.

In contrast to the Masters' Green Jacket ceremony, in which the winner dons the renowned green jacket and becomes an honorary member of Augusta National, the PGA retains its own legacy of greatness.

The PGA supper is a wonderful occasion, bringing together past champions for an evening of fellowship and celebration. This special event not only shows the reigning champion's culinary preferences, as curated by the menu but also allows the host to provide thoughtful gifts to their fellow champions.

The PGA Championship's commitment to promoting a feeling of community and honor among its winners is obvious in this cherished dinner tradition, which creates enduring memories and strengthens the relationship among golf's finest players.


The PGA Championship Dinner at Rao's This Year

Unlike the Masters, when all prior champions gather at Augusta National to celebrate the special night with special meals, the PGA Championship has its own distinct tradition known as the PGA Championship supper.

This tradition brings together all of the tournament's previous winners for an exclusive evening. The Championship supper was held this year at the famed Rao's restaurant.

The host, the reigning Championship winner, not only designs the cuisine but also offers thoughtful gifts to his guests during the Champions Dinner in May.

Champions at The Rao's for dinner
Champions at The Rao's for dinner

Unlike the Masters, when the champions cover the costs of the dinner, the PGA of America gladly covers all of the expenditures for the PGA. However, during the first event in 1965, Bobby Nichols startled his fellow champions by revealing that he would be supporting the PGA of America in settling the debt.

Nonetheless, the PGA organizers have assumed responsibility for funding the hosts' expenses ever since, keeping this valued tradition alive.


Who will have the 105th Wanamaker Trophy?

The Wanamaker Trophy, which has special significance in the competition, is another notable tradition of the PGA. The Wanamaker Trophy is presented to the victor of the PGA and serves as a symbol of their accomplishment.

The trophy, named after Rodman Wanamaker, a founding member of the PGA of America, is a large silver chalice that represents prestige and accomplishment in golf. The award is a magnificent work of art, meticulously made with complex details and a commanding presence.

The winner's name is inscribed on the trophy, immortalizing their victory in golf history. The Wanamaker Trophy is prominently displayed throughout the event, reminding players and spectators alike of the grand prize at stake.

Holding the Wanamaker Trophy is a moment of success for any golfer, recognizing their achievement as a PGA champion and cementing their place among the sport's luminaries.

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Edited by Yash Singh
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