Sun May 18 22:20:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
The article recounts the tale of the original Wanamaker Trophy, the PGA Championship trophy, and its mysterious disappearance after Walter Hagen’s 1925 victory. Hagen, a legendary golfer, claimed he lost the trophy after giving it to a taxi driver. He then won the championship several more times, keeping the truth of the trophy’s disappearance a secret. A duplicate trophy was made in 1926, and the original resurfaced six years later, reportedly found in a Detroit golf factory. The original trophy is now displayed at the PGA of America’s headquarters in Texas, while the winner receives a duplicate for a year and a smaller replica permanently. The story highlights Hagen’s flamboyant personality and significant contribution to the sport.
**News Article:**
**Wanamaker Trophy’s Wild Ride: From Champion’s Hands to Taxi Cab Mystery**
**CHARLOTTE, NC** – As golf’s elite prepare to battle for the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow this week, a legendary tale from the tournament’s past resurfaces: the curious case of the missing Wanamaker Trophy.
The Wanamaker Trophy, a towering symbol of golfing achievement, is not just any piece of silverware; this trophy has a story. Weighing 27 pounds and standing at 28 inches, its namesake is department store magnate Rodman Wanamaker, one of the founders of the PGA of America.
The original Wanamaker Trophy mysteriously vanished after Walter Hagen’s 1925 victory at Olympia Fields Country Club. Hagen, one of golf’s all-time greats, claimed he entrusted the trophy to a taxi driver after celebrations, but it never made it to its destination. For the next few years, Hagen continued to dominate the PGA Championship, successfully concealing the trophy’s disappearance.
A duplicate trophy was created in 1926, but the original remained lost for six years. It eventually resurfaced, reportedly found in the Detroit factory that manufactured Hagen’s golf equipment.
Today, the original 1916 Wanamaker Trophy is displayed at the PGA of America’s new home in Texas. The victor of this week’s PGA Championship will receive the duplicate trophy, a grand symbol of victory, to keep for a year, along with a replica to keep permanently.
The legend of the missing Wanamaker Trophy adds another layer of intrigue to this year’s PGA Championship. It is a reminder of the rich history and colorful characters that have shaped the sport.
First Piper 