PNWPGA Celebrates Centennial in 2022

The Pacific Northwest Section PGA is celebrating its centennial in 2022. The Section, which is the PGA of America’s largest geographical managing entity, was founded in the first week of March, 1922, and now manages nearly 1,200 PGA members and associates who are employed at over 340 golf facilities in Washington, Oregon, northern Idaho, western Montana and Alaska. It is a 501c6 non-profit association.

The PGA of America itself was founded in 1916.

Al Espinosa, PGA head professional at Inglewood Country Club from 1921-1924, won the first Washington Open in 1922. He repeated as champion in 1923. (Photo courtesy Inglewood Golf Club)

The inaugural Washington Open and Washington State Amateur were held back-to-back in 1922 at Yakima Country Club. The two championships – one open to PGA professionals and amateurs, the other just for amateurs – would continue to be conducted back-to-back at the same venue for several years, except for during World War II, in which the Washington Open was not held for five years, from 1942-1946. In 1947, the two again were held the same week at Inglewood Country Club. The final year the two were held the same week at the same venue was 1955 at Spokane Country Club.

“The PNWPGA is celebrating its centennial because of the passion, dedication, and wisdom of the members and staff who have served the Section these past many decades,” says Frank Talarico, CEO of the Section. “It is a privilege to celebrate this milestone and to ensure the excellence we have become synonymous with for the next 100 years.”

Throughout 2022, the Section will be highlighting its rich history, including PGA Members and championships. Included in this year’s centennial celebration will be an event recognizing recent Section award winners and past winners at Inglewood Golf Club in Kenmore, Wash. on March 20, 2022.

For more information about the Pacific Northwest Section PGA, visit PNWPGA.com.