Aug 6, 1981 CE
First Round Play
The opening round saw several contenders post early low scores. The field of the world's top golfers navigated the challenging Highlands Course under warm August conditions in Georgia.
Chronological Storyline (8 Milestones)
Aug 6, 1981 CE
Tournament Opens at Atlanta Athletic Club
The 63rd PGA Championship began at the Highlands Course of the Atlanta Athletic Club in Duluth, Georgia. The course, known for its demanding layout, hosted the PGA Championship for the first time.
Aug 7, 1981 CE
Second Round and Cut
After 36 holes, the cut was established and the field was narrowed. Fuzzy Zoeller positioned himself among the leaders with strong play through the first two rounds.
Aug 8, 1981 CE
Third Round Moving Day
During the third round, the leaderboard began to take shape. Fuzzy Zoeller surged into contention, positioning himself for a run at the title heading into the final round. Larry Nelson remained within striking distance of the lead.
Aug 9, 1981 CE
Final Round: Nelson's Charge
Larry Nelson fired a final-round 66, making a dramatic charge up the leaderboard to tie Fuzzy Zoeller at 7-under-par 273. Nelson's closing round was one of the finest of the tournament and forced a playoff. Zoeller, who had led heading into the final round, was unable to hold off Nelson's surge.
Aug 10, 1981 CE
Fuzzy Zoeller's Runner-Up Finish
Fuzzy Zoeller, the 1979 Masters champion, finished as runner-up after the playoff loss. Despite the disappointment, Zoeller continued to be a prominent figure on the PGA Tour and would later win the 1984 U.S. Open.
By Keith Allison (Keith Allison @ Flickr) - https://www.flickr.com/photos/keithallison/2925139503/, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=148873640
Aug 10, 1981 CE
Sudden-Death Playoff: Nelson Wins
Larry Nelson defeated Fuzzy Zoeller in a sudden-death playoff to capture the 1981 PGA Championship, his first major championship title. Nelson, a former soldier who learned golf while serving in the military, cemented his place in golf history with the victory at the Atlanta Athletic Club.
Aug 10, 1981 CE
Significance of Nelson's Victory
Larry Nelson's triumph marked the first major championship of his career. Nelson would go on to win two more majors, including the 1983 U.S. Open, establishing himself as one of the premier players of the early 1980s. The 1981 PGA Championship was also notable as the first major held at the Atlanta Athletic Club's Highlands Course.
By Spc. Benhur Ayettey - https://www.dvidshub.net/image/7850425/memorial-tournaments-salute-service-celebrates-military-veterans, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=133038202