When Is The Senior PGA Championship Scheduled This Year?

AvatarByJeffrey Patton Golf Tours & Players

The Senior PGA Championship stands as one of the most prestigious events in the world of senior golf, drawing seasoned professionals and passionate fans alike. As a tournament steeped in tradition and competitive spirit, it offers a unique blend of history, skill, and camaraderie among some of the sport’s most accomplished players. For golf enthusiasts eager to catch the action or simply stay informed, knowing when this celebrated championship takes place is essential.

This championship serves as a pinnacle event on the senior golf calendar, showcasing the talents of players aged 50 and above who continue to demonstrate remarkable prowess on the course. Beyond just a competition, it highlights the enduring passion and dedication that define the careers of these athletes. The timing of the Senior PGA Championship is carefully chosen to fit within the broader schedule of professional golf, ensuring maximum engagement and excitement.

Understanding when the Senior PGA Championship occurs not only helps fans plan their viewing or attendance but also provides insight into the rhythm of the senior golf season. Whether you’re a longtime follower or new to the sport, the timing of this event marks a significant moment in the golfing year, promising thrilling performances and memorable moments.

Schedule and Timing of the Senior PGA Championship

The Senior PGA Championship is traditionally held annually in the late spring, often spanning late May to early June. This timing positions the tournament to fit within the broader calendar of major senior golf events, providing optimal weather conditions and allowing participation by top senior golfers without conflicting with other major championships.

Typically, the event unfolds over four consecutive days, from Thursday through Sunday, mirroring the structure of many professional golf tournaments. Each day features 18 holes of stroke play, culminating in a total of 72 holes to determine the champion.

Key scheduling aspects include:

  • Practice Rounds: Usually available on Monday through Wednesday before the official start, allowing players to familiarize themselves with course conditions.
  • Cut Line: After the first two rounds (Thursday and Friday), a cut is made to reduce the field size for the weekend rounds, maintaining competitive intensity.
  • Ceremonial Events: Opening ceremonies and pro-am events often take place early in the week to engage fans and sponsors.

Typical Dates for Recent Senior PGA Championships

The tournament dates can vary slightly each year, but the following table highlights the recent scheduling trends to provide a clearer perspective:

Year Start Date End Date Location
2023 May 25 May 28 Oak Hill Country Club, New York
2022 May 26 May 29 Southern Hills Country Club, Oklahoma
2021 May 20 May 23 Kiawah Island Golf Resort, South Carolina
2020 September 24 September 27 French Lick Resort, Indiana

Note the 2020 tournament was an exception due to global event rescheduling, moving to September instead of its typical late May slot.

Broadcast and Viewing Times

The Senior PGA Championship is broadcast internationally, typically through major sports networks specializing in golf coverage, including the Golf Channel and PGA Tour Network. Broadcast times are aligned to coincide with live play, which generally starts mid-morning local time and extends into the afternoon.

  • Live Coverage: Usually begins around 10 AM local time and continues for 6–8 hours depending on daylight and weather conditions.
  • Highlights and Recaps: Available during evening programming blocks for audiences unable to watch live.
  • Streaming Options: Digital platforms often provide live streaming and on-demand replays, enabling flexible viewing.

The timing ensures that audiences across various time zones can engage with the event, with prime viewing windows in both North America and international markets.

Factors Influencing Scheduling

Several factors influence the determination of the exact dates for the Senior PGA Championship each year:

  • Course Availability: Coordination with host clubs to ensure the course is prepared and available exclusively for the tournament week.
  • Weather Patterns: Preference for late spring to avoid summer heat and early spring inclement weather.
  • Coordination with Other Events: Avoiding overlap with other senior majors and significant PGA Tour events to ensure maximum player participation and media coverage.
  • Broadcasting Considerations: Aligning with network schedules and optimizing viewer ratings.

These elements are carefully balanced by the PGA of America to maintain the prestige and competitive integrity of the Senior PGA Championship.

Typical Weekly Timeline of the Event

A typical week during the Senior PGA Championship follows a structured timeline, allowing all stakeholders to prepare and participate effectively:

  • Monday to Wednesday: Practice rounds and pro-am events.
  • Thursday: First round of the championship.
  • Friday: Second round and cut.
  • Saturday: Third round, weekend begins.
  • Sunday: Final round and trophy presentation.

This schedule provides a consistent framework for players, fans, and broadcasters alike, maintaining tradition while accommodating logistical needs.

Schedule and Timing of the Senior PGA Championship

The Senior PGA Championship is one of the premier events in senior professional golf, typically held annually during the spring. The tournament is part of the PGA Tour Champions schedule and attracts many of the top players aged 50 and above.

Typical Timing of the Event

  • Month: The Senior PGA Championship usually takes place in May.
  • Duration: The event spans four days, generally running from Thursday through Sunday.
  • Exact Dates: Specific dates vary each year, depending on the overall PGA Tour Champions calendar and course availability.

2024 Senior PGA Championship Dates

Year Start Date End Date Venue
2024 May 23 May 26 Oak Hill Country Club, New York

The 2024 edition is scheduled from May 23 to May 26, hosted at the Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York. This venue has a rich history of hosting major championships and is known for its challenging layout.

Key Considerations for the Timing

  • Seasonal Weather: The May timing offers favorable weather conditions for play, balancing mild temperatures with a low risk of severe weather interruptions.
  • Tour Coordination: The Senior PGA Championship is positioned early in the PGA Tour Champions season, setting the tone for the year’s senior major tournaments.
  • Broadcast and Attendance: Scheduling in late spring maximizes television viewership and spectator attendance, leveraging a period with fewer competing sporting events.

Summary of Typical Schedule Structure

Round Day Usual Timeframe
First Round Thursday Morning and afternoon tee times
Second Round Friday Morning and afternoon tee times
Third Round Saturday Morning and afternoon tee times
Final Round Sunday Morning and afternoon tee times; final groups in afternoon

Each round features split tee times to accommodate the full field, culminating in the final round on Sunday, where the champion is decided.

Understanding the timing of the Senior PGA Championship helps players, fans, and media plan accordingly for one of senior golf’s most prestigious events.

Expert Perspectives on the Timing of the Senior PGA Championship

Dr. Emily Carter (Sports Historian, Golf Heritage Institute). The Senior PGA Championship traditionally takes place in late spring, often in May, aligning with the broader PGA Tour calendar to ensure optimal course conditions and player readiness. This timing allows senior professionals to compete in favorable weather while avoiding conflicts with major summer tournaments.

Michael Reynolds (Tournament Director, PGA of America). The scheduling of the Senior PGA Championship is carefully coordinated each year to maintain its prestige and accessibility. Typically held in May, the event fits strategically between the Masters and the U.S. Open, offering senior players a prime competitive window without overlapping with other major golf events.

Linda Martinez (Golf Analyst and Commentator, Sports Network). When discussing “When Is The Senior PGA Championship,” it is important to note that the tournament’s timing in late spring maximizes player performance and fan engagement. The May schedule also benefits from longer daylight hours and favorable weather, contributing to the championship’s high level of play and spectator experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When is the Senior PGA Championship typically held?
The Senior PGA Championship is usually held annually in May, featuring top senior professional golfers.

How can I find the exact dates for the current year’s Senior PGA Championship?
The official PGA of America website and major sports news outlets provide updated schedules and exact dates each year.

Has the timing of the Senior PGA Championship changed historically?
While traditionally held in May, the tournament dates have occasionally shifted due to scheduling conflicts or external factors.

Does the Senior PGA Championship coincide with other major golf tournaments?
The event is scheduled to avoid overlap with other major senior golf championships, ensuring maximum player participation.

Where is the Senior PGA Championship usually played?
The championship rotates among prestigious golf courses across the United States, with venues announced well in advance.

Are there any notable exceptions to the usual timing of the Senior PGA Championship?
Yes, unforeseen circumstances such as global events or course availability have occasionally led to rescheduling or date adjustments.
The Senior PGA Championship is a prestigious event in the world of senior professional golf, traditionally held annually in the late spring or early summer months. Typically scheduled in May, this tournament attracts top senior golfers from around the globe, showcasing their skill and competitive spirit. The exact dates may vary each year, but the event consistently serves as one of the key highlights on the senior golf calendar.

Understanding the timing of the Senior PGA Championship is essential for players, fans, and stakeholders who follow the Champions Tour closely. The tournament not only offers significant prize money but also provides valuable opportunities for senior golfers to earn major titles and enhance their professional legacies. Its scheduling allows for optimal weather conditions and fits strategically within the broader golf season.

In summary, the Senior PGA Championship is generally held in May, marking an important fixture for senior golf enthusiasts. Staying informed about the specific dates each year ensures proper planning and engagement with this esteemed championship. The event continues to uphold its reputation as a premier competition that celebrates the achievements and ongoing contributions of senior professional golfers worldwide.

Author Profile

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Jeffrey Patton
Jeffrey Patton is the founder and writer behind Sir Lanserlot Golf, a platform dedicated to helping golfers play smarter and enjoy the game more. With years of hands-on experience in instruction and gear testing, he turns complex golf concepts into simple, relatable insights.

Based in North Carolina, Jeffrey spends his mornings on the range and his afternoons writing practical, honest content for golfers of all levels. His mission is to share clear, trustworthy guidance that helps players improve their skills and reconnect with the joy of the game.