2018 PGA Championship to honor winners, Ozzie Smith at 100th championship celebration

ST. LOUIS – In August, the strongest field in golf will convene in St. Louis for seven days of world-class competition at the 100th PGA Championship. To mark this historic occasion, the PGA of America has announced celebratory events early in Championship week.  

“In recognition of the milestone that is the 100th PGA Championship, we want to provide fans with a celebration that honors the St. Louis region and its unique love for its sports teams, corporate citizens, heroes and traditions,” said Barry Deach, Championship Director. “You won’t want to miss this celebration of golf and the great city of St. Louis.”

To that end, the PGA of America is announcing that Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of the 100th PGA will feature unique themes and festivities for fans to enjoy.

Monday, August 6: Opening Monday at the 100th PGA Championship

• The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales will kick off the 100th PGA by making their way down Ladue Road toward Bellerive. Ozzie Smith — the 100th PGA Host City Champion, sports icon, and President of the Gateway PGA REACH Foundation — will ride on the hitch delivering the Wanamaker Trophy. The PGA Championship is encouraging fans in attendance to show their St. Louis pride by wearing clothing from their favorite local and regional sports on Monday.

Tuesday, August 7: Junior Day at the 100th PGA

• Young golfers won’t want to miss what’s in store on Tuesday. The PGA of America has challenged the region to break the all-time attendance record for the most juniors on a single day at the PGA Championship. PGA Jr. League golfers will have the opportunity to participate in unforgettable experiences including visits from special guests throughout the day. For the scheduled Long Drive Contest, local PGA Jr. League Teams will be invited to go inside the ropes and experience it close-up off the 10th tee. With every single-ticket purchase, four children under the age of 17 receive free entry.

Wednesday, August 8: Celebrating the Champions of Today and Tomorrow

• A confluence of past PGA champions and local celebrities will gather on Wednesday to honor Host City Champion Ozzie Smith, who embodies the core beliefs and values of the PGA of America and the sport of golf, and demonstrates love and passion for their city.

“I am so proud of the way St. Louis has come together to host this historic event, just as I knew we would,” said Smith. “I can ensure you that each day, Monday through Sunday, will be a spectacle and an incredible celebration that my hometown and our region will be talking about for years to come.”

A few single-day tickets remain for Monday through Thursday of the Championship. Weeklong tickets, as well as Friday, Saturday and Sunday single-day tickets, are sold out. Purchase tickets by visiting www.PGAChampionship.com.

Stay up to date on PGA Championship news by following @PGAChampionship on Twitter or going to facebook.com/pgachampionship.

About the PGA Championship

The PGA Championship is the only all-professional major in men’s golf. It began in 1916, just months after the birth of the PGA of America, and annually features the most top-100 players in the Official World Golf Rankings of all golf Championships.

For more information about the PGA of America, visit PGAMediaCenter.com, follow @PGA on Twitter and find us on Facebook.

About the PGA of America

The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, with 29,000 professionals who work daily to grow interest and participation in the game of golf. For more information about the PGA of America, visit PGA.org, follow @PGAofAmerica on Twitter, and find us on Facebook.

About Bellerive Country Club

Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Bellerive Country Club is a private club that is home to one of the finest golf courses in the Midwestern United States. Opened in 1897, Bellerive Country Club has a long tradition of hosting championship golf events. In 2013, Bellerive became only the third club in the United States to host all four traveling men’s professional major championships (PGA Championship, Senior PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and U.S. Senior Open). Bellerive Country Club will host its first PGA Championship since 1992 when the 100th PGA Championship is played on the storied course August 6-12, 2018.