The 77th PGA Championship was held at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California. Australian Steve Elkington captured his first and only major championship, defeating Scotland's Colin Montgomerie in a sudden-death playoff after both finished at 17-under-par 271, a then-PGA Championship scoring record.
The 77th PGA Championship commenced at Riviera Country Club, known as 'Hogan's Alley' for Ben Hogan's historic successes there. The course, designed by George C. Thomas Jr., was hosting its third PGA Championship, the first since Hal Sutton's victory in 1983.
After 36 holes, the cut was established and the field was reduced for the weekend. Colin Montgomerie, the dominant force on the European Tour, positioned himself among the contenders as he sought his first major championship title.
Colin Montgomerie moved into the 54-hole lead, putting himself in prime position to capture the first major championship of his career. The Scotsman had been Europe's top player for several years but had yet to break through at a major.
Steve Elkington fired a brilliant final-round 64, one of the lowest closing rounds in PGA Championship history, to surge up the leaderboard and tie Colin Montgomerie at 17-under-par 271. The 17-under total established a new PGA Championship 72-hole scoring record.
Steve Elkington and Colin Montgomerie returned to the 18th hole for a sudden-death playoff. Elkington struck a superb approach shot and made birdie, while Montgomerie could only manage par, giving the Australian the victory on the first extra hole.
Steve Elkington became the first Australian to win the PGA Championship since Wayne Grady in 1990. The victory was the crowning achievement of Elkington's career, which also included two Players Championship titles in 1991 and 1997.
Colin Montgomerie's playoff defeat extended his wait for a first major championship. Despite being one of the most accomplished players in European golf history with a record eight Order of Merit titles, the PGA Championship remained one of several majors where the Scotsman came agonizingly close to victory.