In January 1916, The Professional Golfers' Association of America, Walter Hagen, and Rodman Wanamaker decided that a national championship of golf was to be played. The first PGA Championship was played at the Siwanoy Country Club, and 5 years later, and American-born PGA Pro won. In 1958, the format of the game was changed from a match play to a stroke play. Currently, it is one of four major championships in men's golf and it is the season's final major. Due to this distinction, it has been dubbed "Glory's last shot."

The PGA Championship is the only major in which leading amatuers are not invited to compete, and reserves a large number of places for club professionals.