The first PGA Championship was held in 1916 at Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, New York. The winner, Jim Barnes, received $500. The 2007 winner, Tiger Woods, earned $1.26 million. The champion is also awarded the Wanamaker Trophy, which was donated by Rodman Wanamaker.

Initially a match play event, the tournament changed to stroke play in 1958. Network broadcasters, preferring a large group of well-known contenders on the final day, are sometimes accused of pressuring tournament organizers to make the format change.

In 1971, the PGA was played in February in Florida, as the first major of the calendar year. Prior to the 1960s, the tournament was often played in late July, the week following the British Open, making it difficult to play both majors.