Professional Golfers' Association (Great Britain and Ireland) - History of The PGA

History of The PGA

It was a letter from a North Wales pro in Golf Illustrated on 12 April 1901 that triggered the idea of a professional golfers' association, advocating that pros needed to band together to protect their interests.

Within months the leading players of the day, led by the legendary JH Taylor had galvanised enough support to form the London & Counties Golf Professionals' Association on 9 September 1901 (changed at the first AGM on 2 December to The Professional Golfers' Association) - the world's first ever golf association.

Membership was reported as 59 professionals with 11 assistants and funds of just over £47.

The golfing landscape in those early days was very different to the modern game with pros, even the very best like Taylor, Vardon and Braid, earning a living from club duties, club and ball-making, green-keeping, teaching here and there and of course competing in tournaments.

Administration and organisation of the PGA took a big step forward with the appointment of Commander Roe as secretary in 1934.

He was at the helm for 28 years and under his leadership regulated membership, improved the quality of tournaments, balanced the books and generally endeavoured to promote an increase in the number of people playing the game.

During the 20s, 30s and 40s, the advent of the Ryder Cup, new golf heroes such as Walter Hagen, Gene Sarazen and Henry Cotton, all helped golf's popularity and reinforced the PGA's position as a leading golf organisation.

As the tournament circuit flourished in the late 60s and 70s, the PGA Tournament Division went from strength to strength, ultimately going on to form the European Tour in 1984, while the interests of the club professional continued to be represented by the Association at its Belfry headquarters.

During the 60s and 70s, the PGA rejuvenated its training and education programme, something it has continued to the present day with assistant professionals now graduating with foundation degrees and honours degrees covering all aspects of golf - from playing and coaching through to golf business and marketing.

The PGA has strong links to Europe as a member of the PGAs of Europe and is committed to growing the game and helping ordinary golfers enjoy the game to its maximum.