Sept. 2, 2008 -- PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- The PGA of America took another step in commemorating its origin when a plaque was unveiled today on the outside of the Radisson Martinique on Broadway in New York City, the same hotel where The PGA was founded more than 92 years ago.

A long-running success story, The PGA of America grew from a meeting held on April 10, 1916, in the Hotel Martinique's boardroom, where 35 charter members and 78 total Professionals were elected to membership and formed what is today, the world's largest working sports organization, with more than 28,000 men and women Professionals.

The PGA of America was founded in 1916 at the Hotel Martinique in New York City. (Photo: The PGA of America)

PGA of America President Brian Whitcomb, Vice President Jim Remy, Secretary Allen Wronowski, Honorary President Roger Warren and Chief Executive Officer Joe Steranka unveiled the plaque along with New York City Sports Commissioner Kenneth Podziba, and Radisson Martinique Vice President Susan Anselona. U.S. Ryder Cup Team Captain Paul Azinger, who moments later announced his four selections to the 2008 U.S. Ryder Cup Team, also took part in the ceremony.

"Today is an historic day for The PGA of America," said PGA President Brian Whitcomb. "To be here at the birthplace of The PGA of America, not only in New York City but at the Hotel Martinique, where more than nine decades ago the original founding fathers gathered, makes this a very special occasion."

The idea of The PGA of America began in early 1916 when department store magnate and philanthropist Rodman Wanamaker invited a group of golf professionals and top amateurs to a lunch at New York City's Taplow Club to pitch an idea that golf professionals could enhance equipment sales by forming an association. Included among the list of invitees were 1913 U.S. Open Champion Francis Quimet, golf course architect A.W. Tillinghast and John G. Anderson, another Wanamaker golf salesman.

Within six months of that meeting in April, the first PGA Championship, won by Jim Barnes, was held at Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, N.Y. Wanamaker donated a purse of $2,580 and the trophy that still bears his name today.

The Radisson Martinique on Broadway, originally named the Hotel Martinique, opened in 1900 and is located in midtown Manhattan. The hotel underwent a multi-million dollar renovation in 2006. Each day some 15,000 New Yorkers and tourists pass by the Radisson Martinique and will view the plaque.

Since 1916, The PGA of America's mission has been twofold: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf.

By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, the Association enables PGA Professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the $76 billion golf industry.

By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable golf promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry, The PGA of America elevates the public's interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere.

The PGA of America brand represents the very best in golf.