PGA Championship's Centennial Being Celebrated Where It All Started In Bronxville

BRONXVILLE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- The world's best golfers are headed to Springfield, New Jersey, for this week's PGA Championship, but another club in the Tri-State Area has a special connection to the PGA.

Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, New York, was the home of the very first PGA Championship in 1916. Jim Barnes won the first of his two PGA Championships. He went on to become a Hall of Fame golfer.

A lot has changed at the club and with the PGA Tour since then. There is still a commemorative plaque on the 18th hole, and reminders and memorabilia are displayed throughout the clubhouse.

As CBS2's Chris Wragge reported, the 100-year celebration means so much to the folks at Siwanoy. Their connection to the major championship evokes such pride and tradition.

As part of the centennial celebration, the club is hosting a charity event to benefit the MGA, the Metropolitan Golf Association. Some PGA Tour pros are participating, including Morgan Hoffmann, of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey.

"It's great to be back," Hoffman said. "First of all, it's good to be back home, and I feel that this is home around the Westchester area for me. And with all its history here and having the first PGA Championship, it's really cool, and I've heard great things about the course. I played a few holes, so it's turned out to be a good day.

"All the guys here and the PGA Tour pros that came out for today are great players and great guys, and everybody seems like they have a smile on their face, so it's cool."

From the commemorative plaque on the 18th hole, to the photos in the clubhouse, every round is a walk down historic fairways for members, and PGA tour professionals.

"It is a hidden gem. It's been 100 years since the original PGA," Bill Palumbo said. "Just a wonderful place."

This year's PGA Championship begins Thursday at Baltusrol Golf Club.

According to the PGA, the winner's share in 1916 was $500. This year the champion will take home almost $1.9 million.