About Skip Ward Expertise Former PGA PROFESSIONAL: Golf related questions regarding Rules, Etiquette,
PGA TOUR, PGA Players, Game History, Club History, Golf Trivia, and US
Courses to Play/Trip Recommendations. LOVE THE GAME!
Question Why is the trophy given to the winner of the PGA is called The Wanamaker trophy?
Answer Dear Bob, thanks for the question...ah, yes the Wanamaker! Thanks to a friend at the USGA, You and I now know that Rodman Wanamaker (1863-1928) was a wealthy member of the department store family who brought together the original members of the Professional Golfers' Association in January, 1916, and who donated $2,580 as a purse for the first PGA championship. Jim Barnes won it that year. Golf actually was one of his (Wanamaker) minor pursuits; his major outside interest was aviation. At his death he was head of Wanamaker's and the most heavily insured person in the world, with $6 million protection on business and family. In 1908 he had been the first individual to take out a $1 million life insurance policy. Good luck and remember...
