Introduction:
If you’ve ever found yourself scratching your head over the terms “PGA Championship” and “PGA Tour,” you’re not alone. In fact, this is one of the most common points of confusion in the world of golf. Fortunately, Paige Spiranac — former pro golfer, social media sensation, and golf influencer — recently tackled this very topic, breaking down the distinctions in a way that’s both digestible and engaging.
Her clear explanation has gone viral, attracting thousands of views and re-igniting an important conversation around golf terminology. In this blog post, we’ll not only revisit what Paige said, but also dive deeper into the reasons behind the confusion, answer frequently asked questions, and highlight the key takeaways every fan should know.
So whether you’re new to the sport, a casual fan, or someone trying to impress at your next corporate golf outing, here’s everything you need to know.
Why Is There So Much Confusion Between the PGA Tour and PGA Championship?
At first glance, the names sound almost interchangeable. But here’s the catch — they represent entirely different entities in professional golf. Let’s break it down:
- PGA Tour: A professional golf organization that runs weekly golf tournaments, mainly in the U.S., featuring the world’s top players.
- PGA Championship: One of the four prestigious major championships in golf, run by a completely different organization — the PGA of America.
Spiranac summed it up beautifully in her video, stating that “the PGA Tour and PGA of America are not the same thing, and that’s where most people get confused.”
Paige Spiranac’s Breakdown: What She Said and Why It Matters
Paige Spiranac has a unique way of making golf accessible to everyone. Her explanation recently caught attention when she posted a video on her social media platforms, addressing the top question she gets from fans: “Is the PGA Championship part of the PGA Tour?”
Her answer was simple but effective:
“The PGA Championship is run by the PGA of America, not the PGA Tour. They’re two completely different entities.”
She went on to provide a brief historical context, mentioning that the PGA Tour and PGA of America split in 1968, forming two separate governing bodies for different parts of the sport.
Why it matters: Spiranac’s video cleared up misconceptions for millions. In an age of short attention spans, her concise yet informative style worked wonders — combining clarity, charisma, and credibility.
Key Differences Between the PGA Tour and PGA Championship
| Feature | PGA Tour | PGA Championship |
|---|---|---|
| Organizer | PGA Tour | PGA of America |
| Main Focus | Weekly professional tournaments | One of four major championships |
| Founded | 1968 (split from PGA of America) | 1916 |
| Event Frequency | Nearly every week | Once a year |
| Global Significance | Global events with FedEx Cup points | One of the 4 golf majors |
| Player Participation | Top-ranked players and tour members | Includes club pros + top players |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the PGA Tour part of the PGA of America?
No. The PGA Tour and PGA of America are completely separate organizations. The PGA Tour manages the regular season golf events, while PGA of America focuses on growing the game and organizing major events like the PGA Championship and Ryder Cup.
2. What is the PGA Championship?
The PGA Championship is one of the four major championships in golf, held annually. It is run by the PGA of America and includes both top professionals and 20 qualifying club pros.
3. Do PGA Tour players compete in the PGA Championship?
Yes, most PGA Tour players also compete in the PGA Championship — but that’s because they are among the best players in the world, not because the PGA Tour organizes the event.
4. Why did the PGA Tour split from the PGA of America?
The PGA Tour was formed in 1968 when the touring professionals split from the PGA of America to better manage their tournaments, schedules, and prize money distribution. It was
