Aug 11, 1977 CE
Opening Round at Laurel Valley
The 59th PGA Championship began at Laurel Valley Golf Club in Ligonier, Pennsylvania. The field of the world's top golfers competed over the challenging Robert Trent Jones-designed course.
Chronological Storyline (8 Milestones)
Aug 12, 1977 CE
Second Round and Cut
After two rounds, the cut was made and the field narrowed. Several prominent players positioned themselves near the top of the leaderboard as the tournament moved into the weekend.
Aug 13, 1977 CE
Third Round – Littler Takes Lead
Gene Littler, the 1961 U.S. Open champion, surged to the top of the leaderboard after 54 holes. Lanny Wadkins remained within striking distance heading into the final round.
Aug 14, 1977 CE
Notable Finishers
Other notable finishers in the 1977 PGA Championship included Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson, who were both coming off their famous 'Duel in the Sun' at the Open Championship the previous month. The field featured many of the era's top players competing on the demanding Laurel Valley layout.
Aug 14, 1977 CE
Wadkins Wins on Third Playoff Hole
Wadkins and Littler halved the first two playoff holes. On the third extra hole, Wadkins made par while Littler faltered, giving Wadkins his first major championship victory.
Aug 14, 1977 CE
Final Round – Wadkins Catches Littler
Lanny Wadkins fired a final-round 69 to draw even with Gene Littler, who closed with a 71. Both players finished tied at 6-under-par 282, forcing a playoff for the championship.
Aug 14, 1977 CE
Wadkins' First and Only Major
The victory at Laurel Valley marked the first and only major championship of Lanny Wadkins' career. He would go on to win 21 PGA Tour events and was later inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
By Lanny Wadkins - Own photo of personally received autograph, PD, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=82047163
Aug 14, 1977 CE
First Sudden-Death Playoff in PGA History
The 1977 PGA Championship became the first in the tournament's history to be decided by a sudden-death playoff. The new format had been adopted by the PGA of America to replace the previous 18-hole playoff system.