A to Z US PGA Championship

Just who is Rodman Wanamaker? Why does Greg Norman shudder when he thinks of Inverness Club? And who is the oldest major winner of all time? This alphabetical history of "Glory's Last Shot", otherwise known as the USPGA Championship, explains all ...

S

is for SHAUN MICHEEL, who came from nowhere to win the title in 2003. That victory remains the American's sole win on the PGA tour, although he does have a definite affinity with the championship having also finished second at the 2006 edition.Shaun Micheel celebrates his unlikely victory in 2003

T

is for THE KING. Despite being recognised as one of the game's all time greats, Arnold Palmer never managed to win the US PGA. Palmer, who claimed seven majors, including four Masters titles, came close numerous times, finishing second on no less than three occasions – in 1964, 1968 and 1970.

U

is for UNDERDOG. All majors have their surprise winners of course but the US PGA seems to provide more than its fair share. Aside from the underdogs mentioned elsewhere in this article (see Bob Tway, John Daly, Shaun Micheel and YE Yang), the championship has been won by golfing lightweights Jay Herbert (1960), John Mahaffey (1978), Mark Brooks (1996) and Rich Beem (2002).

V

is for VOLUNTEERS. While it's fair to say that volunteers form the backbone of any large scale professional tournament, the US PGA couldn't possibly be the event it is without the help of those willing to give up their time to help without payment. The 2011 edition will see a staggering 3,500 volunteers working at Atlanta Athletic Club.


W

is for WAYNE GRADY, the popular Australian pro – and frequent visitor to Hong Kong – won his only major championship at the US PGA in 1990 at Shoal Creek in Alabama. Grady, who now works as television commentator, claimed the title by three strokes from Fred Couples, a year after losing a play-off to Mark Calcavecchia at the Open Championship.

X

is for X100, the model of steel shaft produced by the True Temper Sports company which has been used by more US PGA champions than any other. Tiger Woods has used the shafts in his irons since his amateur days.Y.E. Yang became the only player in history to defeat Tiger Woods after the latter held the lead through 54 holes of a major championship, with a brilliant win at the 2009 U.S. PGA at Hazeltine

Y

is for YE YANG, who became the first Asian major winner by overhauling no other than Tiger Woods to claim the championship at Hazeltine National Golf Club in 2009. Yang's brilliant efforts – which included a final-hole birdie – condemned Woods to his first major loss when leading after 54 holes.


Z

is for ZINGER, otherwise known as Paul Azinger, who won the 1993 championship following a play-off with Greg Norman (also see Inverness Club). One of the PGA Tour's most consistent performers throughout the late 1980s and 90s, the former US Ryder Cup captain's only major triumph was made all the more poignant after he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma soon afterwards. After months of treatment, Azinger overcame the cancer and returned to professional golf full time.

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