This Day in Golf--Jan. 17

A lot of things can be accomplished over food. On this date in 1916, the PGA of America had its birth at a luncheon when department-store magnifico Rodman Wanamaker (yes, of PGA Championship trophy fame) brought together a group of top golf professionals at the Martinique Hotel at Broadway and West 32nd in New York to discuss the benefits of forming an association, hosted by a business group called the Taplow Club. On April 10, 1916, the PGA was founded when 78 members ratified a constitution and bylaws, including 35 charter members from the January meeting. Six months later, it was tournament time. The association held its first PGA Championship on Oct. 10-14, 1916, at Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, N.Y., won by Jim Barnes.