Special Moments In

Special Moments in Senior PGA Championship History

(Compiled by The PGA of America)

The Professional Golfers’ Association of America P.O. Box 109601 Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410-9601 www.PGA.com 1937 - A major championship debuts Augusta National Golf Club — Augusta, Ga.

With the assistance of Bobby Jones, one of golf’s greatest players, and Alfred S. Bourne, a true friend of the golf professional, the PGA Seniors’ Championship began at famed Augusta National, where the Masters championship was born four years earlier. Bourne, a member of Augusta National, contributed $1,500 for the purchase and endowment of the trophy that bears his name. Jock Hutchison of Golf, Ill., the former British Open champion whose deeply-slotted pitching irons were banned by the Royal & Ancient Golf Club in 1921, didn’t need the special irons at Augusta National. Hutchison claimed the inaugural Championship with a 54-hole total of 223, 7-over-par. George Gordon of Rumford, R.I., finished eight strokes behind.

1938 - The first overtime duel Augusta National Golf Club — Augusta, Ga.

The second and final visit of the PGA Seniors’ Championship to Augusta National produced the Championship’s first playoff. Fred McLeod of Chevy Chase, Md., 30 years after his U.S. Open triumph and 20 years after his loss in the finals of the second PGA Championship, defeated Otto Hackbarth of Cincinnati, Ohio in an 18-hole playoff. The Championship began a 13-year run with a 36-hole format in 1938. But the December weather was too inclement in Augusta, and a second round was rained out. The two players tied after 36 holes at 10-over-par 154. In the playoff, McLeod held on to down Hackbarth, posting an 80 to his opponent’s 82.

1940 - Otto goes the distance North Shore Country Club — Bobby Jones Golf Club, Sarasota, Fla.

In an attempt to avoid the weather problems of the past Championship, the third PGA Seniors’ Championship was moved to the North Shore Country Club and Bobby Jones Golf Club in Sarasota, Fla., in January of 1940. This meant no Championship in 1939. For the second consecutive time, a playoff decided the champion. Otto Hackbarth, a runner-up in 1938, posted a 1-under-par 70 to match Jock Hutchison, the inaugural PGA Seniors’ Champion, at 4-over-par 146. The two players tied at 74 after 18 holes and a second 18 holes was needed before Hackbarth prevailed by a stroke. Since the Championship wasn’t contested at 72 holes until 1958, Hackbarth and Hutchison were ahead of their time.

1941 - Burke leaves no doubt Sarasota Bay Country Club — Bobby Jones Golf Club, Sarasota, Fla.

After a duel to the wire the year before, Jack Burke Sr. of Houston, Texas, ensured there would be no challengers in the final 18 holes at Bobby Jones Golf Club in Sarasota, Fla. Burke fired a 4-under-par 67, the lowest 18-hole round of the Championship, to cruise to a 7- stroke victory over Eddie Williams of Chicago, Ill. Defending champion Otto Hackbarth and 1940 runner-up Jock Hutchison, finished tied for third place eight strokes off the pace.

1942 - Williams makes atonement Ft. Myers Golf and Country Club — Ft. Myers, Fla.

After a disappointing final round the year before, Eddie Williams of Chicago, Ill., arrived on Florida’s west coast in Fort Myers, Fla., anxious to make the most of his tournament experience. Williams posted a pair of 69s at Fort Myers Golf and Country Club, winning his first PGA Seniors’ Championship by six strokes over another tournament veteran, former champion Jock Hutchison of Golf, Ill. Hutchison would go on to record one of the best career performances in the Championship, making the cut 14 times in 24 appearances and finishing in the top three on 11 occasions.

1943-44 No Championship played due to World War II

2 1945 - Eddie wasn’t rusty PGA National Golf Club —Dunedin, Fla.

World War II postponed the PGA Seniors’ Championship for two years, but the interruption didn’t prevent Eddie Williams of Chicago, Ill., from becoming the first multiple Champion in tournament history. Competing at then-PGA National Golf Club in Dunedin, Fla., Williams knocked in birdie putts on the final two holes to overcome a one-stroke advantage by former champion Jock Hutchison of Golf, Ill. It was Hutchison’s third consecutive runner-up finish. Dunedin would be home for the PGA Seniors’ Championship for the next 18 years.

1946 - A record for Eddie PGA National Golf Club —Dunedin, Fla.

A memorable replay for Chicago’s Eddie Williams at PGA National Golf Club in Dunedin, Fla., was just another bad dream for Jock Hutchison. For the second consecutive year, Williams rallied to defeat Hutchison, this time in an 18-hole playoff, and established a record as the only player to win three consecutive PGA Seniors’ Championships. Hutchison seemed to have things in control in regulation play, until he bogeyed the 35th hole. Williams then sank a 10-foot par putt on the 36th hole to force a playoff. It was an intense duel, with both players tied after 14 holes. But Hutchison’s fortunes were doused when his approach shot found the water on the 15th hole. Williams birdied the hole and went on to victory.

1947 - Jock gets his revenge PGA National Golf Club —Dunedin, Fla.

After two consecutive runner-up finishes, Jock Hutchison of Golf, Ill., returned to his championship form of a decade earlier, winning the PGA Seniors’ Championship by conquering gusty winds and the challenge of Ben Richter of St. Louis, Mo. Hutchison fired a final-round 1- under-par 71 to post a three-stroke victory over Richter. Three-time defending champion Eddie Williams of Chicago, who opened the final round a stroke behind Hutchison and Richter, slumped to an 80 and tied for 10th. Williams never finished higher than fourth place again in the PGA Seniors’ Championship.

1948 - Wire-to-wire PGA National Golf Club —Dunedin, Fla.

In a 36-hole championship, there is little room for error. Charles McKenna of Rochester, N.Y., left no doubt he would walk off with the Alfred S. Bourne Trophy in the 1948 PGA Seniors’ Championship by putting together rounds of 69 and 72 for a 141 total and a one- stroke victory over two-time runner-up Ben Richter of St. Louis. McKenna’s first-round 3-under-par 69 was the lowest round of the Championship. Defending champion Jock Hutchison tied for third place. It was McKenna’s show, and his best Championship effort. His best finish throughout the remainder of his PGA Seniors’ Championship career was as runner-up in 1953.

1949 - One timely stroke PGA National Golf Club —Dunedin, Fla.

Marshall Crichton of Durham, N.C., picked an opportune moment for golf’s dream stroke, when he aced the 147-yard 16th hole in the final round of the 10th PGA Seniors’ Championship. Crichton’s final-round 72 and 1-over-par 145 total was a stroke better than the runner-up trio of two-time champion Jock Hutchison of Golf, Ill., Louis Chiapetta of Sylvania, Ohio; and George Smith of Chicago. Hutchison, who seemed to have always found a way into the thick of the PGA Seniors’ Championship battle, missed his chance to forge a tie after making a bogey on his final hole. Crichton enjoyed his last spotlight moment. He tied for 31st in 1953 - his only other appearance among the top 40 in the PGA Seniors’ Championship. 1950 - Setting an enviable trend PGA National Golf Club —Dunedin, Fla.

Al Watrous of Birmingham Ala., toured the opening round of the 11th Championship with a 2-under-par 70, which turned out to be the lowest round of the tournament at PGA National Golf Club in Dunedin, Fla. Returning the next morning, Watrous needed only a steady even-par 72 for the first of his three PGA Seniors’ Championships. He turned back the challenge of bearded Bill Jelliffe of Denver, Colo., whose closing 71 left him three strokes back. Two-time champion Jock Hutchison of Golf, Ill., finished third and five strokes off the pace.

1951 - Another playoff; Jock’s last stand PGA National Golf Club —Dunedin, Fla.

3 For the fourth time in 12 years, the PGA Seniors’ Championship was decided in a playoff. And, for the fifth time, Jock Hutchison of Golf, Ill., finished as the runner-up. The 68-year-old Hutchison nearly shot his age when he turned in a 3-under-par 69 in the final round to tie defending champion Al Watrous of Birmingham, Ala. Fatigue finally caught up to Hutchison in the 18-hole playoff, finishing with an 81 to Watrous’s 75. Though Hutchison continued to play in two more PGA Seniors’ Championships, it marked the final time he would challenge for a title in an event he helped bring to prominence among his fellow PGA professionals.

1952 - Unheralded Ernie PGA National Golf Club —Dunedin, Fla.

Little-known Ernie Newnham of Portland, Maine, fired a final-round 1 -under-par 71 for a 36-hole total of 146 and a one-stroke victory. Newnham’s steady final round prevented Al Watrous of Birmingham, Ala., from claiming his third consecutive PGA Seniors’ Championship. Four players fled for third two strokes back: Charlie McKenna of Rochester, N.Y.; Louis Chiapetta of Sylvania, Ohio; Harry Schwab of Dayton, Ohio; and Phil Tumesa of White Plains, N.Y. It was Newnham’s time to enjoy. He would never again finish among the top 10 in the championship.

1953 - Holding off the best PGA National Golf Club —Dunedin, Fla.

Harry Schwab sizzled in the opening round of the 14th PGA Seniors’ Championship, taming in a 6-under-par 66 for a six-stroke cushion. It was the padding Schwab needed, for he slipped to a 76 the following day and withstood the challenge of former PGA Champion Gene Sarazen and former PGA Seniors’ Champion Charles McKenna of Rochester, N.Y., both three strokes back. The Championship was boosted by the presence of three former U.S. Open champions Sarazen, Johnny Farrell and Billy Burke.

1954 - The Squire shows his form PGA National Golf Club —Dunedin, Fla.

The PGA Seniors’ Championship returned to its original 54-hole format, and legendary Gene Sarazen, then a resident of Germantown, N.Y., returned to his old championship form. Sarazen finished with a 2-under-par 214 total – which included an opening round 67 – to carry home a first-place prize of $1,000 from a total purse of $5,000. The total purse was provided by William Teacher & Sons, Ltd., of Glasgow, Scotland. The final round drew a gallery of 5,000 spectators, and Sarazen edged former champion Al Watrous and Perry Del Vecchio by two strokes.

1955 - A fine finish for Mortie PGA National Golf Club —Dunedin, Fla.

Mortie Dutra of Los Angeles, Calif., nicknamed the “Gray Eagle,” put together an outstanding display of putting and played the final five holes in 1-under-par to win the 16th PGA Seniors’ Championship and his first national title. Dutra’s 3-under-par 213 for 54 holes was worth a four-stroke victory over former PGA Seniors’ Champion Gene Sarazen, former PGA Champion Denny Shute and Mike Murra. With seven birdies and a 31 on the back nine of the opening round, Murra equaled the course record with a 6-under-par 66. But Murra slipped to rounds of 75 and 76 the remainder of the Championship.

1956 - Averting disaster PGA National Golf Club —Dunedin, Fla.

Pete Burke of Long Island, N.Y., brother of 1931 U.S. Open Champion Billy Burke, prevented a complete collapse after opening with two strong rounds in the 17th PGA Seniors’ Championship, a tournament that for the first time attracted more than 200 contestants. Burke made a double bogey on the 52nd hole, and needed two pars to tie Ock Willoweit, who sat in the clubhouse with a 216 total. Burke parred the 53rd and hooked his drive into a grove of trees on the 54th hole. Burke then unleashed a remarkable recovery shot that curled through the trees to within 12 feet of the hole. He sank the putt to earn a first-place prize of $1,000 from what was then a record $6,500 purse.

4 1957 - One last hurrah for Al PGA National Golf Club —Dunedin, Fla.

Not only did PGA National Golf Club in Dunedin, Fla., undergo a facelift on its clubhouse and a reconditioning of the course for the 1957 PGA Seniors’ Championship, but veteran Al Watrous of Birmingham, Mich., returned to sparkling form, too. Watrous, who had won PGA Seniors’ Championships in 1950 and ‘51, matched Bob Stupple of Highland Park, Ill., at 6-under-par 210 after 54 holes. Then, Watrous posted a steady 72 to Stupple’s 75 to win the fifth playoff in Championship history. It was Watrous’s third and final PGA Seniors’ Championship and his second triumph in extra holes.

1958 - The Championship comes of age PGA National Golf Club —Dunedin, Fla.

The 19th PGA Seniors’ Championship may be remembered more for its extension into a four-day, 72-hole event than for legendary Gene Sarazen’s triumph by three strokes over Charles Sheppard of West Newton, Mass. The Championship purse was boosted to $10,000, and a 36-hole cut was installed to trim the field to the low 100 scorers and ties. For the record, Sarazen fired a final-round 70 for an even- par 288 total. Former PGA Seniors’ Champion Mortie Dutra – who had led for three rounds collapsed with a final-round 82 and tied for sixth place. Sarazen carried home a first-place prize of $1,200 for his second PGA Seniors’ Championship.

1959 - A timely loan PGA National Golf Club —Dunedin, Fla.

Willie Goggin of Coyote, Calif., wasn’t comfortable with the set of woods he brought to the 20th PGA Seniors’ Championship in Dunedin, Fla. So, Goggin borrowed a set from MacGregor salesman Vic Bass and went on to finish with a 4-under-par 284 for 72 holes, and defeat Denny Shute, Leland Gibson and Paul Runyan by a stroke. Only one of the past 19 PGA Seniors’ champions – the late Jack Burke Sr., was missing from the championship field. “I may never get those woods back,” said Bass.

1960 - The purse increases PGA National Golf Club —Dunedin, Fla.

Prize money for the PGA Seniors’ Championship was boosted to $15,000, and Dick Metz of New Orleans, La., walked home with the first- place prize of $1,500 after posting a 72-hole total of 4-under-par 284. Runner-up honors went to trick-shot artist Tony Lengo of Clark’s Summit, Pa., and for the second year in a row, Paul Runyan of La Jolla, Calif. For the first time, two holes-in-one were record in the same PGA Seniors’ Championship: Mike Serino of Fort Jackson, S.C., during the first round on the 192-yard 16th hole; and Augie Nordone of Jamesville, N.Y., in the second round on the 156-yard sixth hole. Each player used a 4-iron for an ace.

1961 - Runyan closes the door PGA National Golf Club —Dunedin, Fla.

With a record gallery of 20,000 spectators touring PGA National Golf Club in Dunedin, Fla., for four days, Paul Runyan of La Jolla, Calif., delighted the gallery with a record 10-under-par 278 performance to ease the sting of finishing runner- up the previous two years. Runyan finished three strokes ahead of Jimmy Demaret. Buck White of Greenwood, Miss., set a sizzling pace for the tournament with a first-round 63, the lowest 18-hole round in tournament history. Arnold Palmer matched White’s score 23 years later. But White’s hot start wasn’t enough. He faded to share 12th place.

1962 - A Runyanesque replay PGA National Golf Club —Dunedin, Fla.

For the first 22 years of the PGA Seniors’ Championship, the average competitor’s age was 53. Paul Runyan of La Jolla, Calif., was 53 when he walked off with his second straight title in the final PGA Seniors’ Championship played at PGA National Golf Club in Dunedin, Fla. Runyan took home $2,000, and matched his tournament record 10-under-par 278, set a year earlier. Errie Ball, Dutch Harrison and Joe Harrison tied for second place, three strokes behind.

5 1963 - Four red-hot rounds Port St. Lucie Country Club — Port St. Lucie, Fla.

When the new PGA of America national headquarters and accompanying golf courses in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., weren’t ready for the 1963 PGA Seniors’ Championship, the tournament moved about 60 minutes north to Port St. Lucie, Fla. The championship site was arranged and hosted by former Ryder Cup and PGA Champion Chick Harbert. Herman Barron of White Plains, N.Y., found the Port S Lucie Country Club just like home, becoming the first player in PGA Seniors’ Championship history to record four sub-70 rounds. Barron’s 16- under-par 272 was two strokes better than John Barnum of Belmont, Mich.

1964 - Make way for Slammin’ Sam PGA National Golf Club — Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

After bypassing the PGA Seniors’ Championship in 1963, his first year of eligibility, legendary Sam Snead made his debut in the Championship memorable at the new PGA National Golf Club, now known as BallenIsles Country Club, in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Snead opened the Championship with an eagle on the first hole on the East Course and was never caught. His winning 9-under-par 279 total was the first of what would become a record six PGA Seniors’ Championships. John Barnum, who finished three strokes behind, was runner-up for the second straight year.

1965 - Play it again, Sam Fort Lauderdale Country Club — Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

The PGA Seniors’ Championship made its only visit to Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Country Club, but the finish was almost identical to a year earlier. Sam Snead cruised to victory despite pulling his drive on the 72nd hole out of bounds, and posting a double bogey. Snead’s 10- under-par 278 was four strokes better than Joe Lopez Sr., whose closing 5-under-par 67 was the lowest round of the championship. Snead’s play was so dominant that former PGA Champion Chick Harbert was overheard: “We couldn’t beat him on the regular Tour, so how do you expect us to beat him now as a senior?”

1966 - A timely timeout PGA National Golf Club — Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

The first round of the 27th PGA Seniors’ Championship at PGA National Golf Club (now Ballenlsles Country Club) was postponed by rain. It was a blessing for Freddie Haas Jr. of Metairie, La., who had turned 50 years of age 52 days earlier. Haas was inflicted by a virus and developed a 102-degree temperature during the championship. But as the weather improved, so did Haas’s health. He became the only player in the field not to shoot over par on the East Course, winning with a 2-under-par 286 total and a two-stroke margin over three- time runner-up John Bamum and two-time runner-up Dutch Harrison.

1967 - A new stroke, but the same Sam PGA National Golf Club — Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Sam Snead unveiled a new “squat-shot” putting stroke of the 1967 PGA Seniors’ Championship, claiming he could “see facing the hole.” Snead’s between-the-legs croquet-style stroke was outlawed by the USGA within a year. But Snead was able to use it long enough to fire a final-round 66 and win his third PGA Seniors’ Championship by a whopping nine-stroke margin over Bob Hamilton and by 10 strokes over defending champion Freddie Haas Jr.

1968 - Another jewel for Harper PGA National Golf Club — Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Throughout his professional golf career, Chandler Harper of Portsmouth, Va., was recognized for his occasional brilliant hot streaks. Harper won the 1954 Texas Open with three consecutive 63s, and needed only 20 putts to win the 1950 Tucson Open. In the 29th PGA Seniors’ Championship at PGA National Golf Club (now known as Ballenlsles Country Club) Harper again got hot. He fired a third-round 64, and withstood a final-round charge by three-time champion Sam Snead, who finished four strokes back. Harper’s first-place prize of $4,000 was $500 more than he received by winning the PGA Championship 18 years earlier.

6 1969 - Tempestuous Tommy PGA National Golf Club — Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Though his fiery temper often overshadowed his outstanding skill, Tommy Bolt was in tune with his game at PGA National Golf Club (now known at BallenIsles Country Club) in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. In his first year of eligibility on the senior circuit, Bolt recorded a final- round 67 on his way to a 278 total and one-stroke victory over Pete Fleming of Hot Springs, Ark. Three-time champion Sam Snead, who finished third two strokes back, commented about Bolt, “You know, it’s real funny the way a guy is 39 one year and beats you in the PGA Seniors’ Championship the next.”

1970 - Along came Sam, again PGA National Golf Club — Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Inclement weather throughout the weekend didn’t foil Sam Snead’s return to championship form in the 31st PGA Seniors’ Championship. The weather, however, stopped defending champion Tommy Bolt from competing. Bolt battled the flu and withdrew during a second round delayed by rain. Snead went on to win his fourth PGA Seniors’ Championship, recording a final-round 76 and a 2-over-par 290 total, two strokes ahead of former champion Freddie Haas Jr. It was the first winning total over par since Ernie Newnham’s 2-over-par 146 for two rounds in 1952.

1971 - A veteran warrior takes control PGA National Golf Club — Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Julius Boros, an accomplished fisherman, hauled in his first PGA Seniors’ Championship to become the fourth player in Championship history to win at the age of 50. Boros grinded out rounds of 71 and 72 over a windy final 36 holes and his 3-under-par 285 left him the only player under-par for 72 holes. Boros finished three strokes ahead of Tommy Bolt and four better than defending champion Sam Snead. Ironically, both Bolt and Boros each won the championship at age 50, along with Pete Burke in 1956 and Freddie Haas in 1966.

1972 - Sam rallies down the stretch PGA National Golf Club — Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Sam Snead reclaimed the title he surrendered a year earlier to Julius Boros, rallying from a three-stroke deficit with five holes to play to win the 33rd PGA Seniors’ Championship with a 2-under-par 286. Snead suffered a double bogey at the 12th hole, but made a 25- foot birdie putt at the 14th and finished with four straight pars as Boros suffered bogeys at the 13th and 14th. Snead pocketed his fifth PGA Seniors’ Championship, while Boros and Tommy Bolt tied for second after matching 75s.

1973 - A vintage week for Snead PGA National Golf Club — Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Few performances in senior professional golf compare to Sam Snead’s four days in January on the East Course of the former PGA National Golf Club (now known as Ballenlsles Country Club) in the 1973 PGA Seniors’ Championship. Snead distanced himself from the field the first two rounds with a pair of 66s, then finished with a 67 and 69 for a 20-under-par 268 total and a 15-stroke victory over Julius Boros. Snead’s 72-hole total and victory margin continue to be Championship records. It was the final PGA Seniors’ Championship held on the course.

1974 - A worthwhile trip for Roberto Port St. Lucie Country Club — Port St. Lucie, Fla.

Argentinean Roberto De Vicenzo kidded that he told his wife that his first appearance in the PGA Seniors’ Championship was a chance to “have a good time visiting old friends.” The popular De Vicenzo had the best time of all, firing a final round 66 to finish with a 15- under-par 273 at Port St. Lucie (Fla.) Country Club for a three-stroke victory over Julius Boros.

7 1975 - Charlie stamps his name Walt Disney World Resort — Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Charlie Sifford and Fred Wampler, in their first years of eligibility on the Senior PGA Tour, finished in a tie after 72 holes at 8-under- par 280. Sifford sank a 22-foot birdie putt on the first extra hole, and yelled, “Hoo-hey,” and earned a first-place check of $7,500. In 1975, the PGA Seniors’ Championship began a five-year stint at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla.

1976 - A special day for Pete Walt Disney World Resort — Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

A tornado warning interrupted play for 40 minutes during the final round of the 37th PGA Seniors’ Championship, but that didn’t deter 61-year-old Pete Cooper of Branford, Fla., from a memorable back nine and victory at Walt Disney World Resort. Cooper, owner of a 385-acre chicken and cattle farm, had a final-round 72 on the Magnolia Course for a 72-hole total of 5-under-par 283. For the second year in a row, Fred Wampler was runner-up. He made double bogey on each of the final two holes. After receiving the keys to a new Lincoln Mark IV, Cooper said, “They’ll run me out of the county if I drive up in this. I’d look better in a Lincoln tractor.”

1977 - Steady Julius scores again Walt Disney World Resort — Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Julius Boros of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., was one of 180 starters who didn’t allow icy rain, numbing cold, rising winds and foggy conditions to spoil his earning a second title in the 38th PGA Seniors’ Championship. Boros finished with a 5-under-par 283, two strokes lower than his winning total in 1971 in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Former champion Fred Haas Jr., finished a stroke back after three-putting the 71st hole.

1978 - Jimenez goes the distance Walt Disney World Resort — Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Joe Jimenez of Jefferson City, Mo., fired a final-round 70 to force the first three-player playoff in PGA Seniors’ Championship history. Jimenez, tied with Manuel de la Torre of Milwaukee, Wis., and Joe Cheves of Morganton, N.C., hit a 4-iron approach shot into the green of the first extra hole and then sank a winning four-foot birdie putt on the Magnolia Course at Walt Disney World Resort.

1979 (February) - More overtime for Fleck Walt Disney World Resort — Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Jack Fleck, formerly of Davenport, Iowa, won the 1955 U.S. Open over Ben Hogan and two PGA Tour titles in the 1960s - all through playoffs. It was fitting that Fleck claimed his only PGA Seniors’ Championship by going extra holes. In the second consecutive three- player playoff in Championship history, Fleck sank a winning 25-foot birdie putt on the third extra hole on the Magnolia Course at Walt Disney World Resort. Fleck defeated Bob Erickson of Casselberry, Fla., and Bill Johnston of Phoenix, Ariz., after all had tied in regulation play at 1-over-par 289.

1979 (December) - A new era Turnberry Isle Country Club — North Miami, Fla.

The 41st PGA Seniors’ Championship, the second Championship played in 1979, preceded one of the biggest success stories in professional sports in the 1980s – the formation of the Senior PGA Tour. The Championship, contested at Turnberry Isle Country Club in North Miami, Fla., featured a $100,000 purse, double over the previous five years. Don January, 26 days past his 50th birthday, was unyielding in crafting an 18-under-par 270 on the South Course to defeat George Bayer of Detroit, Mich., by eight strokes. January’s winning total was the second lowest in Championship history.

8 1980 - Arnie makes his mark Turnberry Isle Country Club — North Miami, Fla.

Arnold Palmer made his debut in the PGA Seniors’ Championship at age 51, and came away with a victory that was as dramatic as any of the major championships he had already won. In a storybook finale, Palmer made a seven-foot birdie putt on the first hole of a playoff at Turnberry Isle Country Club in North Miami, Fla., to defeat first-round leader Paul Harney. “It’s the PGA Championship I never won,” said an overjoyed Palmer.

1981 - Mr. X pockets his ‘major’ Turnberry Isle Country Club — North Miami, Fla.

Miller Barber, who was nicknamed “Mr. X” throughout his career as a Tour professional, claimed what he called “the highlight of my career” by defeating defending Champion Arnold Palmer by two strokes. Despite a final-round 73 to Palmer’s closing 70, Barber held on for a 7-under-par total of 281. “This is the major championship I’ve been trying to win all my life,” Barber said. “It’s a tremendous win for me.”

1982 - The Champion Course debut PGA National Golf Club — Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

The PGA Seniors’ Championship was played for the first time on the difficult Champion Course at PGA National Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Don January was the only player to match par over 72 holes. His 288 total was 18 strokes higher than his previous winning performance three years earlier. Former PGA Seniors’ Champion Julius Boros, despite a 75 in the final round, was runner-up one stroke behind.

1984 (January) - A week the ‘army’ won’t forget PGA National Golf Club — Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Arnold Palmer has given his adoring “army” of fans many warm memories, but few compare to his path to a second PGA Seniors’ Championship at PGA National Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Palmer fired a course- and tournament-record 9-under-par 63 under ideal conditions in the second round. Palmer never relinquished the lead, despite a 79 in the third round played under high wind and with rare 40-degree temperatures. Palmer finished with a 6-under-par 282, two strokes better than defending Champion Don January. 1984 (December) - Wire-to-wire for Peter PGA National Golf Club — Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Australian Peter Thomson, a five-time British Open champion, made his first appearance in the PGA Seniors’ Championship and claimed his largest paycheck with a $40,000 winner’s share. Thomson never gave up the lead after an opening 67, and won with a 2-under-par 286 total to defeat two-time Champion Don January by three strokes. The triumph ignited Thomson to a remarkable 1985 season when he won an all-time Senior PGA Tour record nine championships and earned $386,724.

1986 - Not your average Player PGA National Golf Club — Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Back spasms forced two-time Champion Arnold Palmer to withdraw before the 47th PGA Seniors’ Championship and defending Champion Peter Thomson stayed home in Australia. But South African Gary Player became the second foreign- born champion, scoring his second victory in three starts since turning 50 years of age nearly three months earlier. Player’s 72-hole total of 7-under-par 281 was worth a two-stroke victory over Lee Elder. Player’s performance was also special in that the entire field averaged 78 strokes on the Champion Course at PGA National Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

9 1987 - A timely purchase PGA National Golf Club — Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Trailing third-round leader Dale Douglass by six strokes and upset over a round of 76, Chi Chi Rodriguez preceded his round by purchasing a new set of clubs from PGA National Golf Club. The result: a 5-under-par 67 to give the popular native Puerto Rican a one- stroke victory. Rodriguez later credited his longtime mentor, former PGA Seniors’ Champion Pete Cooper, for his victory. Cooper, who missed the second-round cut, followed Rodriguez in the gallery and earlier offered a putting lesson.

1988 - Another major for Player PGA National Golf Club — Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Gary Player, one of only four players to win golf’s modern Grand Slam, earned his second PGA Seniors’ Championship and fourth major title in senior golf. Player’s final-round 2-under-par 70 gave him a 72-hole total of 4-under-par 284 and a three-stroke triumph over defending Champion Chi Chi Rodriguez.

1989 - A bigger plum for Mowry PGA National Golf Club — Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Larry Mowry of Atlanta, Ga., who was a “king” on the mini-tour circuit with 106 victories, snared one of senior golf’s biggest prizes by winning the 50th PGA Seniors’ Championship. The 52-year-old Mowry turned in a third-round 65, the lowest round of the tournament, and then struggled home with a 73 to hold off 1981 PGA Seniors’ Champion Miller Barber and Al Geiberger by one stroke.

1990 - Gary’s charming third PGA National Golf Club — Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Gary Player became the fourth player in PGA Seniors’ Championship history to win three or more championships, defeating one of the strongest fields ever assembled in the country’s oldest senior professional event. Player’s third Championship total, a 7-under-par 281, was a two-stroke victory over former Champion Chi Chi Rodriguez and four ahead of Jack Nicklaus and Lee Trevino. Player’s four rounds were identical to those posted by 1989 PGA Seniors’ Champion Larry Mowry. Player’s third Championship victory placed him in the record book alongside Sam Snead (1964, ‘65, ‘67, ‘70, ‘72, ‘73), Eddie Williams (1942, ‘45, ‘46), and Al Watrous (1950, ‘51, ‘52).

1991 - The glare of the Bear PGA National Golf Club — Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Jack Nicklaus became the seventh wire-to-wire champion in PGA Seniors’ Championship history and earned his fourth victory in six senior events after turning 50 years old in January 1990. Nicklaus opened with a pair of 66s, then cruised to a 17-under-par 271 total and a six-stroke triumph over Bruce Crampton. It was the fifth time Crampton had finished as the runner-up in a major championship – each time to Nicklaus.

1992 - A red-hot Merry Mex PGA National Golf Club — Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Lee Trevino won his first PGA Seniors’ Championship in dramatic fashion, making par-saving putts on the final two holes to finish at 10- under-par 278 and holding off Mike Hill by one stroke. Hill’s final-round 69 was the lowest round of the day. Trevino, 52, earned his 38th career victory and became the 10th player to have won the PGA Championship (1 974, ‘84) and the PGA Seniors’ Championship.

10 1993 - A championship to cherish PGA National Golf Club — Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Tom Wargo of Centralia, Ill., became the first PGA club professional since 1979 to win one of senior golf’s major championships, and accomplished the feat in a memorable extra-hole duel. Wargo, who hadn’t taken up golf until age 25, was tied by Bruce Crampton after 72 holes at 13-under-par 275. Wargo defeated Crampton in a two-hole playoff, highlighted by a spectacular save for par from a greenside bunker on the 16th hole at PGA National’s Champion Course. Crampton followed by sending his tee shot on the par-3 17th hole into the water. Wargo’s tee shot found the middle of the green from where he two-putted for victory. “This one is for all the club professionals and the fans,” said Wargo, hoisting the Alfred S. Bourne Trophy.

1994 - Bear Trap swallows Floyd, Trevino emerges unscathed PGA National Golf Club — Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Raymond Floyd, once revered as one of the game’s all-time top front-runners, squandered a four-stroke lead on the final nine holes at PGA National Golf Club’s Champion Course. Playing partner Lee Trevino cashed in on Floyd’s misadventure into the closing four-hole stretch nicknamed “The Bear Trap.” Floyd knocked two balls into the water and posted a quadruple bogey on the 164-yard 15th hole. Then, Floyd capped his frustrations by hitting a 7-iron into the pond and came out with a double bogey on the par-3 17th. Trevino walked away with his second PGA Seniors’ Championship in three years. Trevino made an insignificant bogey on the 72nd hole to finish with a 2-under-par 70 and a 9-under-par 279. He was a stroke better than Jim Colbert and two strokes ahead of Floyd (75) and Dave Stockton (72).

1995 - Floyd finds redemption PGA National Golf Club — Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

There was no reason to look back, Raymond Floyd said, only forward in a bid for his first PGA Seniors’ Championship. Floyd became the 11th player in history to win both a PGA Seniors’ Championship and PGA Championship by avenging his 1994 final-round collapse. Floyd built a two-stroke lead on Jim Colbert after three rounds and made two front-nine birdies in the final round before stringing together 14 consecutive pars and a five-stroke victory margin over John Paul Cain, Larry Gilbert and two-time champion Lee Trevino. Floyd punctuated his loth career victory as a senior professional by hitting 61 of 72 greens in regulation, the most of any player in the 56th PGA Seniors’ Championship.

1996 - Hale foils the ‘Bear Trap’ PGA National Golf Club — Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Two weeks after he let a three-stroke lead evaporate in the desert in losing the Tradition, Hale Irwin found sweet redemption among the swaying palms at PGA National Golf Club by winning the 57th PGA Seniors’ Championship. A three-time U.S. Open champion, Irwin withstood a shaky 74 in the second round, built his lead to four strokes heading into the “Bear Trap” final stretch of holes at the Champion Course and deflected the challenges of Japan’s Isao Aoki and Argentinean Vicente Fernandez. Perhaps Irwin’s defining moment of the Championship was a tee shot on the treacherous par-3 15th hole. His ball landed 35 feet from the flagstick but was dry. He cruised home for a 71, with meaningless bogeys on the final two holes not spoiling his first major championship as a senior player. Irwin’s 72-hole total of 8-under-par 280 was two strokes better than Aoki, who notched his fourth top-5 finish with a 71-282. Fernandez, competing on a special invitation, finished 73-284. 1997 - Irwin leaves his imprint PGA National Golf Club — Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

After winning his first PGA Seniors’ Championship in 1996, Hale Irwin said he was disappointed that he couldn’t keep the momentum alive the remainder of the year. Irwin said he suffered in course management and generally “was just pushing the envelope. I was just trying to do things that maybe I shouldn’t be trying.” Irwin arrived at PGA National Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., a year later on a mission. Winning wasn’t the only thought he had. He had designs on a greater year. Irwin posted a methodical 4-under-par 68 on his way to a 12-stroke victory and a second consecutive title in the 58th PGA Seniors’ Championship presented by Advil. It was the largest victory margin for any Senior PGA Tour professional and the second-highest margin in PGA Seniors’ Championship history. Sam Snead won by 15 strokes in 1973, just three miles down the road at now-BallenIsles Country Club. The 51-year-old Irwin became the first back-to-back winner in Championship history since Snead in 1972 and 1973, and the fifth player to win consecutive PGA Seniors’ Championship titles. Irwin is the 12th multiple champion in event history. His 14-under-par 274 total was his third victory of the year, a season in which he would go on to tie the Senior PGA Tour record with nine victories, become golf’s first $2 million season money- winner and be named Senior PGA Tour Player of the Year.

1998 - Another Hale storm 11 PGA National Golf Club — Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

As if he had something to prove to his peers, Hale Irwin captured a third consecutive PGA Seniors’ Championship by a seven-stroke margin at wind-blown PGA National Golf Club. Irwin’s final-round 2-under-par 70 and 13-under-par 275 total for 72 holes made him the second player to win three consecutive PGA Seniors’ Championships. Irwin became the first player since 1956 — when Peter Thomson won a third straight British Open — to win three consecutive major championships on any tour. Larry Nelson finished runner-up and Gil Morgan was eight strokes back after each had closing 72s. Irwin’s preparation was one reason he handled the changing wind conditions. He arrived six days early to PGA National’s Champion Course to practice. Said Nelson, "Hale just played great. He did what he had to do and didn’t leave any room for anybody to catch him."

1999 - Former hockey player scores a major goal PGA National Golf Club — Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Allen Doyle, who played college hockey in Vermont and didn’t declare himself a professional golfer until 1995, finished with a final-round record 8-under-par 64 to win the 60th PGA Seniors’ Championship. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Doyle became the 18th player to win the PGA Seniors’ Championship in his first attempt. He overpowered the Champion Course in the final round, a performance that included an eagle chip-in on the par-5 10th hole and a 186-yard 3-iron approach to the 16th that left him with a one-foot birdie putt. Doyle’s 14- under-par 274 total, two strokes better than Argentinian Vicente Fernandez. Doyle’s golf swing closely resembles that of a hockey player and the Champion was reminded of that. “I should have brought a hockey helmet and put it on coming down the 18th hole,” he said. “Then, I’d really be known for something.” But Doyle left his mark, helmet or not. He finished his first year as a senior professional with four victories.

2000 - Tewell-time at PGA National PGA National Golf Club — Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

In just his 12th start as a senior Tour professional, Doug Tewell may have found his lost touch. Tewell, who believed he had what it takes to win on the over-50 circuit, was a model of consistency during a Senior PGA Championship that ran anywhere but to form. Despite seven weather interruptions that extended the Championship to Monday and trimmed the event for the first time since 1957 to 54 holes, Tewell shined. The former Oklahoma State standout took the lead with a birdie on the second hole of the second round (a round of 66 that took 21/2 days to complete) and held the lead the final 34 holes. His winning 15-under-par 201 was seven strokes ahead of Dana Quigley, Larry Nelson, Tom Kite and three-time Champion Hale Irwin. Tewell became the 19th player in history to win the Senior PGA Championship on his first attempt.

2001 - Watson finds his swagger The Ridgewood Country Club — Paramus, N.J.

The 62nd edition of the oldest and most prestigious event in senior golf went on the road for the fist time since 1938. And, while visiting historic Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus, N.J., it also brought along a new title - the Senior PGA Championship. It was appropriate then, that a legend, would step forward in this year of transition. Tom Watson, that man from Kansas with a swagger in his walk and a split-toothed grin, he found inspiration from an old friend – his putter – in rallying for a one-stroke victory. Watson made seven birdies on the back nine of the final round, including a clutch birdie putt on the 16th green for a 5-under-par 67 for his first senior major title. Locked in a pulsating duel with Jim Thorpe, Watson’s three-stroke lead dwindled to one as both players headed down the 18th fairway. But, Thorpe missed a tying six-foot birdie putt on the 18th green, while Watson earned a victory with a 72-hole total of 14- under-par 274. “The PGA now has a Watson name on it after all these years,” said Watson, whose pursuit of the career Grand Slam on the PGA Tour lacks only the PGA Championship. “When my name goes on that trophy (The Alfred S. Bourne Trophy), it makes me feel kind of part of The PGA. The PGA of America – they’re the people who teach how to play and teach people how to love the game, and I grew up wanting to be like them.”

12 2002 – The Senior PGA gets warm and Fuzzy Firestone Country Club — Akron, Ohio

Firestone Country Club, a hub of championship golf since 1954, was an appropriate setting for a coming-out party of Fuzzy Zoeller. Making three memorable par-saving efforts on the back nine that he made look effortless, Zoeller captured the 63rd Senior PGA Championship, his first victory since joining the Senior PGA Tour earlier in the year. He closed with a 2-under-par 68 and 2-under 278, two strokes better than third-round leader Bobby Wadkins and three-time Senior PGA Champion Hale Irwin. “Getting my name stitched on to the plate of that trophy means much more to me than the dollars,” said Zoeller, who earned his career-largest paycheck of $360,000 from a $2 million purse. “When I’m gone, I will be judged by record, and in golf, that means the majors you’ve won. This is a great, great feeling. I’m so happy that my family could be here to see it.” Zoeller became the 20th player to win the Senior PGA Championship in his first attempt and the 11th player to make his first Senior PGA Tour win a major. It was his first victory since the 1986 Anheuser-Busch Golf Classic. Zoeller won the 1979 Masters and 1984 U.S. Open among his 10 tour victories, but he never won a PGA Championship, finishing second to Larry Nelson in the 1981 PGA Championship at The Atlanta Athletic Club. Zoeller’s defining moment came on the 13th hole. Clinging to a one-stroke lead over Wadkins, Zoeller drove into the shin-high rough, advanced the ball to heavier rough closer to the green, then hit a wedge to 10 feet and made the par putt.

2003 – Jacobs climbs the ladder Aronimink Golf Club – Newtown Square, Pa.

John Jacobs completed a 31-hole final-day grind that produced a two-stroke victory in the 64th Senior PGA Championship at soggy Aronimink Golf Club. Jacobs wrote a special chapter in the oldest and most prestigious event in senior golf on a soggy, challenging 6,928-yard Donald Ross masterpiece layout some 45 minutes east of Philadelphia. Jacobs completed a rain-delayed 13 holes of his third round Sunday morning for a 71, standing two strokes behind Ireland’s Des Smyth. Jacobs then gritted his teeth around another cigar and finished with a 2-under-par 68 for a winning 72-hole total of 4-under-par 276. It was good for a two-stroke margin over Bobby Wadkins, who finished second a year ago. Bruce Lietzke and defending champion Fuzzy Zoeller tied for third at 279, while Smyth, who finished with a 74, and 2000 Champion Doug Tewell, a closing 69, shared fifth at 280. At age 58, Jacobs became the oldest player to win the Senior PGA Championship since 1976, when Pete Cooper cradled the Alfred S. Bourne Trophy at age 61. He also is the oldest winner on the Champions Tour since its origin in 1980. More important to Jacobs, other than a $360,000 first-place check, was the fact he became the first from his family to win a major championship on any Tour.

2004 – Hale is the survivor from Valhalla ‘island’ Valhalla Golf Club – Louisville, Ky.

Hale Irwin will never forget the early birthday present he gave himself, coming three days in advance when he emerged from a marathon week of weather delays, flooding on the front nine, seven inches of rain and nearby tornadoes to win his fourth Senior PGA Championship and seventh overall senior major title. Irwin stroked a 40-foot putt to within a foot of the 72nd hole on a Monday afternoon and let out a big sigh. Earlier, he had overcome three back nine bogeys by sinking a 12-foot birdie putt on the 13th hole, then made what he called a “gut check” six-foot par putt on the 15th and finished with his birdie on the 18th. That gave him a 71 and a one-stroke victory over Champions Tour newcomer Jay Haas, whose potential tying six-foot birdie putt was pushed just off line. It was the third Monday finish in Senior PGA Championship history, following Doug Tewell’s 2000 triumph and a victory by Fred Haas Jr. in 1966. Irwin praised the grounds crew at Valhalla for restoring the course to playability after a creek on the property overflowed its banks and threatened whether the event would continue at all.

2005 – Radar gets his major in the King’s neighborhood Laurel Valley Golf Club – Ligonier, Pa.

Mike “Radar” Reid, who had collapsed on the closing holes to lose the 1989 PGA Championship, found redemption at Laurel Valley Golf Club, just 10 miles east of the home of legend Arnold Palmer, who also made the week special by competing in his final Senior PGA Championship and serving as its Honorary Chairperson. Reid rallied in the same manner that Palmer had done so often during his prime. This time, Reid capped his charge by sinking a 30-foot eagle putt on the 72nd hole to force playoff with Jerry Pate and Dana Quigley. Reid then ended the drama early by making a birdie on the first playoff hole – the 18th – to earn his first major title. Pate missed his birdie attempt to extend the playoff, while Quigley was out of contention after hitting his second shot into the water that guarded the 515-yard, par-5 hole. Reid said later that he was inspired by a visit he made to a nearby museum of an actor he had admired for years, Jimmy Stewart. Indeed for Reid, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” was realized in major fashion for at least a week at Laurel Valley Golf Club.

2006 – Jay’s Sand Save Leads to a Title Oak Tree Golf Club – Edmond, Okla.

13 Jay Haas spent the week of the 67th Senior PGA Championship as a houseguest of 1986 PGA Champion Bob Tway, whose mansion lies just over a mile from Oak Tree Golf Club. Tway, whom golf historians remember for holing out from an 18th hole bunker to win his major title. Perhaps then, it was just good karma emanating from Tway when Haas found himself in an 18th hole bunker, and on the third hole of a playoff with Brad Bryant at Oak Tree. Haas blasted out to within 12 feet below the hole and knocked in what proved to be a winning par putt. Bryant, who had birdied the same hole earlier to force the playoff, followed by missing a four-foot tying par putt. Both players had tied at 5-under-par 279 on a course that was yielding an average of 74 strokes to a world-class field. Haas had begun the final round four strokes behind another Oak Tree member, Gil Morgan. But, Haas charged by making a string of five consecutive birdies beginning on the fourth hole. Bryant made a memorable birdie on the 72nd hole after his drive landed in the right rough and under a tree limb. His 159-yard approach left him with a 20-footer, which he made. But, it was Haas’s day, as he scrambled well and ended a 29-year drought with his first major championship on any tour.

2007 – After 23 years, Denis Watson finds redemption The Ocean Course - Kiawah Island Golf Resort – Kiawah Island, S.C.

Since it opened its gates in 1991, The Ocean Course has been an 18-hole gauntlet that tests a golfer’s heart and soul. How fitting that Denis Watson, someone who has traveled to the heart of darkness in his professional golf career, would find redemption after 23 years on this strip of land and sand along the Atlantic. The 51-year-old native of Zimbabwe stood tall, and delivered when Eduardo Romero made late mistakes, and went on to capture the 68th Senior PGA Championship for his first victory since 1984. Making his first appearance in the oldest and most prestigious event in senior golf, Watson posted a final-round 4-under-par 68 to finish at 9-under 279. It was just his 30th tournament in 14 years, having endured seven surgeries after a freak on-course injury in 1985. Watson defeated Argentina’s Romero by two strokes while his childhood friend Nick Price of South Africa finished three strokes back. Watson became the first international-born Senior PGA champion since 1990, when South Africa's Gary Player won the last of his three titles. Watson passed Romero on the 14th hole of the final round, when the Argentinean double-bogeyed the par-3 hole following an errant tee shot into a steep left greenside bunker. “My wife told me, ‘You’re going to win this week; it’s your destiny,’ ” said Watson, as he being toasted by The PGA of America in the clubhouse. “I said, ‘God, I’d like to have this. You know, I think he’s taken good care of me today.”

2008 – The Survivor at Oak Hill Oak Hill Country Club – Rochester, N.Y.

The membership of legendary Oak Hill Country Club of Rochester, N.Y., has honored 38 individuals with a tree on the 13th hole, a 595- yard, par-5, which features the “Hill of Fame,” an amphitheater of trees framing the green. So, what is keeping the membership from placing a similar plaque to herald Jay Haas? After all, he was the last player standing after posting a 7-over-par 287 performance on the rugged East Course in the 69th Senior PGA Championship. Haas followed his 2006 Championship by holding together down the stretch on Sunday, including his making a par on the 443-yard 18th hole that had bedeviled him 13 years earlier in the Ryder Cup. Haas hit a solid drive down the left-hand side of the fairway, hit his 6-iron approach to with 15 feet of the hole and gingerly two-putted for a one-stroke victory over playing partner Bernhard Langer of Germany. It was Langer, back in 1995, who was celebrating when Europe rallied on a Sunday to claim the Ryder Cup. This time, Haas received Langer’s praise and congratulations for finishing with a hard- earned 74 in the highest scoring (in relation to par) Senior PGA Championship.

2009 – Mr. Allen’s Canterbury Tale Canterbury Golf Club – Beachwood, Ohio

In the world of senior professional golf, where second chances and extended careers are part of the landscape, there are stories like Michael Allen, whose debut in the 70th Senior PGA Championship was courtesy of a special invitation extended two months in advance. A 50-year-old journeyman professional, Allen erased a 334-event winless slate with a rock solid final-round 3-under-par 67 to capture the Senior PGA Championship. His final round performance at Canterbury Golf Club just outside Cleveland gave him a 6-under-par 274 total and a two-stroke triumph over former Masters Champion Larry Mize, a guy who found his own major magic in 1987 when he won at Augusta National with a miracle pitch-in. Allen crafted his own Canterbury tale by finishing his final 54 holes 10-under par, and was the only player in the field to post three rounds in the 60s. He became the 14th player to win his Champions Tour debut and the 23rd to win the Senior PGA Championship in his first attempt. In the process, Allen joined Arnold Palmer (1980) as the only players to win the Senior PGA Championship while making their debut on the Champions Tour.

2010 – Lehman goes overtime in the mountains Colorado Golf Club – Parker, Colo.

The first PGA of America-conducted major championship in Colorado since 1985, and third-ever major in the state, went one extra hole at Colorado Golf Club as Tom Lehman needed only a par to overtake Fred Couples and David Frost to determine the 71st Senior PGA Championship. The threesome had shared the 72-hole lead at 7-under-par 281. In the playoff, Couples and Frost each hit errant tee shots on the 18th hole, finishing with double bogeys. Lehman, 51, the only player to turn in four sub-par rounds in the field, picked the right club to begin the sudden-death playoff at 18, the first since 2008 in the Senior PGA Championship. He hit a drive down the right side of the fairway. Couples followed with a drive that landed left into a shrub, forcing him to take a penalty drop. Frost’s tee shot 14 nestled in a left-hand bunker, and he pulled his second shot left of the gallery into the pines. After clearing dozens of pine cones between him and the green, Frost’s third shot careened across the green and down a slope. Lehman hit a pitching wedge 132 yards to 12 feet and waited for Frost and Couples to join him at the green. “That was a bizarre playoff,” said Lehman. “I’ve never experienced anything like that. I turned to my caddie (Andy Martinez), and asked, ‘How many shots have they taken?’ ” Frost and Couples each made a 6 before Lehman’s birdie putt ended a roll short of the hole. He smiled, tapped in, pumped his right fist and later kissed the Alfred S. Bourne Trophy.

2011 – Mr. Watson, You Never Looked Better Valhalla Golf Club – Louisville, Ky.

Summoning a dose of his old magic, Tom Watson blasted out of a greenside bunker before sinking a three-foot birdie putt at 18, the first playoff hole, to defeat David Eger and capture the 72nd Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid. Both players had been deadlocked at 10-under-par 278 after 72 holes. Watson closed with a 70, and Eger posted a 67. The 61-year-old Watson trailed Eger by a stroke with four holes left in regulation, and became the oldest player to win a major since the Champions Tour began in 1980. He also became the second-oldest winner of the Senior PGA Championship, behind Jock Hutchison who was 62 in 1947. Watson matched Hutchison in winning two Senior PGA Championships a decade apart. Watson won his first Championship in 2001. Hutchison, who was elected in 2011 to the World Golf Hall of Fame, won the inaugural Championship in 1937. "If this is the last tournament I ever win, it's been a great ride," said Watson. With his victory, Watson became the third-oldest winner of a Champions Tour event. The victory came 10 years, 2 days after he won his other Senior PGA Championship at Ridgewood Country Club in 2001. “I’m living on borrowed time right now at 61,” said Watson.

2012 – Senior Golf’s Finest to Pay a Lakeside Visit Harbor Shores – Benton Harbor, Mich.

Golf’s premier senior professional’s journey some 100 miles east of Chicago, May 24-17, 2012, to compete in the first major championship contested in Southwest Michigan. The 73rd Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid will convene at Harbor Shores, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. This 18-hole, daily-fee course reflects the high standards of the world’s leading design firm, Nicklaus Design. It runs over remarkably diverse terrain that challenges golfers even as it offers a spectacular setting in which to play. Three holes offer dramatic views of Lake Michigan. Eleven holes border the Paw Paw River, Ox Creek, and its wetlands. In addition, four holes wind through rolling hills, ravines, and a hardwood forest. The result is a golf course unlike any other. Harbor Shores will be the site of both the 2012 and 2014 Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid. Harbor Shores will serve as a catalyst for ongoing community transformation—economic, environmental and social.