The 1987 PGA Championship was the 69th edition of the tournament, held August 6–9 at PGA National Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Larry Nelson won his second PGA Championship and third major title, defeating Lanny Wadkins in a sudden-death playoff on the first extra hole.
The 69th PGA Championship began at PGA National Golf Club's Champion Course in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The field featured the world's top golfers competing for the season's final major championship.
After 36 holes, the cut was established and the field was narrowed for the weekend rounds. Lanny Wadkins was among the contenders near the top of the leaderboard heading into the weekend.
Lanny Wadkins positioned himself as the leader heading into the final round. Larry Nelson remained within striking distance of the lead as the tournament entered its final day.
Lanny Wadkins, the 1977 PGA Championship winner, finished as runner-up after losing the sudden-death playoff. Despite the disappointment, Wadkins remained one of the era's most consistent performers in major championships.
Larry Nelson defeated Lanny Wadkins on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff to claim the 1987 PGA Championship title. It was Nelson's second PGA Championship victory and the third major championship of his career.
Larry Nelson mounted a dramatic final-round comeback, carding a 65 to tie Lanny Wadkins at the top of the leaderboard. Both players finished regulation tied for the lead, forcing a sudden-death playoff.
With the victory, Larry Nelson joined an elite group of multiple PGA Championship winners. His three career major titles (two PGA Championships and one U.S. Open) solidified his place among the notable major champions of the 1980s.
