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The Wanamaker Trophy: A History of the PGA Championship's Prize

about 1 year agoUS
The Wanamaker Trophy: A History of the PGA Championship's PrizeSource: cnn.com
The Wanamaker Trophy is the coveted prize awarded to the winner of the PGA Championship. But it's more than just a trophy; it's a heavy, historic, and sometimes surprising piece of silverware. From being lost in a taxi to having its lid fall off during celebrations, the Wanamaker has seen its share of drama. This article, compiled by Yanuki using the latest trends and data, explores the history and interesting facts about this iconic trophy.

Key Insights

The Wanamaker Trophy dates back to 1916 and is named after Rodman Wanamaker, who helped create the PGA of America.

It weighs 27 pounds (12.2 kilograms) and is known for being unwieldy.

Walter Hagen famously lost the original trophy after his 1925 win.

Collin Morikawa and Rory McIlroy both had memorable moments when the trophy's lid unexpectedly detached during their victory celebrations.

The original trophy is now housed at the PGA of America headquarters, with a duplicate awarded to the winner each year.

Why does this matter? The Wanamaker Trophy represents more than just a victory; it symbolizes a golfer's place in history. Its quirks and stories add to the mystique and tradition of the PGA Championship.

In-Depth Analysis

The Wanamaker Trophy, a symbol of golfing excellence, has a history as rich and storied as the tournament itself. Dating back to 1916, the trophy was named after Rodman Wanamaker, a department store heir instrumental in the formation of the PGA of America. Its imposing size and weight (28 inches tall, 10.5 inches in diameter, and 27 pounds) make it one of the most substantial trophies in sports.

One of the most famous anecdotes surrounding the Wanamaker Trophy involves Walter Hagen, who reportedly lost the trophy after his 1925 victory. Hagen claimed he gave it to a taxi driver to take back to his hotel, but it never arrived. The trophy remained missing for six years, adding to Hagen's legendary status as a showman. The original trophy resurfaced later and is now displayed at the PGA of America headquarters in Frisco, Texas.

In more recent times, the Wanamaker Trophy has continued to surprise winners. Collin Morikawa, after his 2020 PGA Championship win, nearly dropped the lid of the trophy during the celebration. Rory McIlroy had a similar experience, catching the lid mid-air during his 2014 victory. These incidents highlight the trophy's unwieldy nature and add a touch of humor to the winner's celebration.

Champions get to keep the Wanamaker Trophy for a year, before returning it and receiving a 10 percent smaller replica to keep permanently. While some champions like to fill it with celebratory cocktails (Jack Daniels and Diet Coke, according to Rich Beem!), transporting it is no easy feat, unlike the Claret Jug awarded to the Open Champion. All names of the winners are engraved on the trophy, with Walter Hagen and Jack Nicklaus appearing on it the most (five times each).

FAQs

Q: How heavy is the Wanamaker Trophy?

The Wanamaker Trophy weighs 27 pounds (12.2 kilograms).

Q: What happened to the original Wanamaker Trophy?

Walter Hagen lost it after his 1925 victory. It was later found and is now at the PGA of America headquarters.

Q: Do the winners get to keep the real trophy?

No, winners get to keep it for a year and then receive a 10% smaller replica.

Key Takeaways

The Wanamaker Trophy has a long and interesting history, filled with surprising moments.

It's one of the heaviest and most awkward trophies in golf.

The trophy symbolizes the prestige and tradition of the PGA Championship.

Discussion

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