Walter Hagen’s Trophy Loss Leads PGA Championship Tale

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Wanamaker Trophy, the prestigious award at the PGA Championship, has a storied history, especially one that involves legendary golfer Walter Hagen. This year, the championship returns to Quail Hollow, where a new field of talent is vying for this iconic trophy.

The Wanamaker Trophy stands at 28 inches tall, 10.5 inches in diameter, and weighs 27 pounds. Created in 1916, it is the same year the PGA of America was founded. Though the original trophy is securely displayed in Texas, contestants will compete for a replica.

Hagen, who won the PGA Championship five times, famously lost the original trophy after his 1925 victory. During a celebration, Hagen reportedly gave it to a taxi driver for transport to his hotel, but the trophy never arrived. This mishap created a burden for Hagen, who had to maintain his dominance in the tournament while keeping his secret.

A year later, at the 1926 championship, no one questioned its absence as Hagen captured his third consecutive title. He nonchalantly stated, “I will win it anyway, so I didn’t bring it.” However, his winning streak halted in 1928, prompting him to confess the truth about the lost trophy.

In a surprising turn, the original trophy resurfaced six years later, purportedly found in a Detroit golf factory. The Wanamaker Trophy is named after Rodman Wanamaker, a key figure in establishing the PGA.

Hagen remains a significant figure in golf history, not only for his accomplishments but also for his showmanship. As a true entertainer, he famously said, “I never wanted to be a millionaire, I just wanted to live like one.”

With the tournament now underway, golfers are battling through challenging conditions. Many players faced unexpected mud balls on the course, a result of recent rain. This unpredictability adds to the excitement as this major tournament unfolds, with fans eagerly awaiting to see if a new champion will emerge.