By Dr. Tony Parker, Historian

Stepping onto the first tee to start the final round of the 1927 PGA Championship, Walter Hagen felt right at home.  He had been there before, winning three consecutive PGAs in 1924, 1925, 1926 and another in 1921. These were the days of 36-hole match play over five days of competition.

Hagen had moved steadily through the flights defeating Jack Farrell (3&2), Tony Manero (11&10), Tommy Armour (4&3), Al Espinosa (1-up after 37 holes) before facing Joe Turnesa in the final.

Ever the showman and the master of gamesmanship, Hagen both excited the crowds and frustrated his opponents. He had the habit of conceding putts within 3 feet throughout the matches until the closing holes when the pressure was greatest.

During the semi-final match Al Espinosa, who was 1 up on the 35th hole, left his putt 3 feet short of the hole. Looking to Hagen for the customary concession, Hagen turned away to speak to the crowd. Espinosa missed the putt and followed on the next hole by 3-putting to lose the match.

Hagen continued that strategy into the final round against Joe Turnesa. He stopped conceding putts on the 30th hole and Turnesa, unused to putting out on the greens, missed short putts on the next six holes. Hagen would claim his 4th consecutive PGA Championship title and his 5th overall.

After 90 years, only fellow World Golf Hall of Fame Member Jack Nicklaus has matched Hagen’s winning record of five PGA Championships.