Champions Tour Establishment

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

The tour was formally established in 1980 and was originally known as the Senior PGA Tour until October 2002. The Senior PGA Championship, founded in 1937, was for many years the only high-profile tournament for golfers over 50. The 1978 Legends of Golf at Onion Creek Club in Austin, Texas, which featured competition between two-member teams of some of the greatest older golfers of that day, directly inspired the creation of the senior tour. In 2006, the Champions Tour Division Board voted to allow players the option to use golf carts during most events, though the five major championships and certain other events, including pro-ams, are excluded. Current PGA Tour Champions competitor and TV golf analyst Bobby Clampett called the process for determining the field in tour events "the most complicated system known to man," adding that "[n]ot a single player even understands it fully."

In Their Own Story

The sun dipped low over the back nine, casting long shadows across the manicured grass. He gripped his driver, hands steady despite the years. The crowd hushed as he addressed the ball, a veteran reading the wind like an old friend. With a smooth swing, the white sphere soared toward the green, landing near the flagstick. It was not just about winning anymore; it was about proving that time could not steal the love of the game.

Reader's Guide

The tour launched in 1980 to support veterans transitioning from peak competition. Sponsorship grew steadily as the demographic proved loyal fans existed for senior golf. Jack Nicklaus later dominated this era, winning multiple Senior Majors and setting standards for longevity. The circuit maintained distinct major championships separate from the main tour, ensuring legacy events remained relevant. Equipment rules were occasionally adjusted to accommodate physical changes without compromising integrity. Today, it remains a vital chapter in golf history, bridging generations of talent. Veterans continue to mentor younger players while competing at a high level. This evolution ensured that greatness does not simply fade with retirement but finds new expression on the course. The schedule expanded globally over decades, reaching international audiences and solidifying its status as a premier league for experienced professionals seeking continued challenge.

Did You Know?

• The Senior PGA Championship, founded in 1937, was for many years the only high-profile tournament for golfers over 50.
• The idea for a senior tour grew out of the 1978 Legends of Golf at Onion Creek Club in Austin, Texas, which featured two-member teams of older golfers.
• The tour was originally known as the Senior PGA Tour until October 2002, then the Champions Tour through 2015, before becoming PGA Tour Champions.
• In 2006, the Champions Tour Division Board voted to allow players the option to use golf carts during most events, excluding the five major championships and certain other events.
• Bobby Clampett, a PGA Tour Champions competitor and TV analyst, called the field determination process 'the most complicated system known to man.'