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Alex Smalley's Wanamaker Link at the PGA Championship

25 days agoUS
Alex Smalley's Wanamaker Link at the PGA ChampionshipSource: sports.yahoo.com
As the PGA Championship unfolds, an intriguing storyline connects leader Alex Smalley to the tournament's iconic Wanamaker Trophy. But there's also a missing trophy mystery!

Key Insights

Alex Smalley joked about winning the PGA Championship due to his connection to Wannamaker Quad at Duke University.

The original Wanamaker Trophy went missing in 1925 after Walter Hagen's victory and resurfaced six years later.

Rodman Wanamaker, the trophy's namesake, was instrumental in founding the PGA of America in 1916.

Wanamaker also funded the world's largest organ in his Philadelphia department store, a cultural landmark.

Why this matters: The Wanamaker Trophy is more than just a prize; it represents the history and tradition of professional golf. The story of its disappearance and the legacy of Rodman Wanamaker add layers of intrigue to the PGA Championship.

In-Depth Analysis

Smalley's Wannamaker Connection

Alex Smalley, the current leader at the PGA Championship, has a unique tie to the Wanamaker Trophy. During his time at Duke University, Smalley lived in Wannamaker Quad, a dorm affectionately known as “Wanny.” This coincidence has led to playful banter about his potential to win the tournament.

The Mystery of the Missing Trophy

The Wanamaker Trophy has its own colorful history. After winning the 1925 PGA Championship, Walter Hagen reportedly lost the trophy when he gave it to a taxi driver to take to his hotel. The trophy remained missing for six years, adding to the lore of the tournament.

Rodman Wanamaker's Legacy

Rodman Wanamaker, the man behind the trophy, played a pivotal role in establishing the PGA of America in 1916. Beyond golf, Wanamaker left a lasting impact on Philadelphia by funding the installation of the world's largest organ in his department store, a beloved city landmark.

The Wanamaker Organ

Wanamaker purchased the organ after it was showcased at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. It has become a cultural icon in Philadelphia, symbolizing the city's rich history and community spirit. The organ is currently being restored as part of renovations to the Wanamaker building.

FAQs

Q: What is the Wanamaker Trophy?

The Wanamaker Trophy is the trophy awarded to the winner of the PGA Championship, named after Rodman Wanamaker.

Q: How did the Wanamaker Trophy go missing?

Walter Hagen reportedly lost the trophy in 1925 after giving it to a taxi driver, and it was missing for six years.

Q: Who was Rodman Wanamaker?

Rodman Wanamaker was a department store heir who helped found the PGA of America and donated the trophy for the PGA Championship.

Key Takeaways

The PGA Championship is steeped in history and tradition, from the iconic Wanamaker Trophy to the stories of the people behind it. Alex Smalley's unexpected connection to the trophy adds an extra layer of intrigue to this year's tournament. The story of the missing trophy is a reminder that anything can happen, and the legacy of Rodman Wanamaker extends far beyond the world of golf.

Discussion

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