The 2004 PGA Championship was the 86th edition of the tournament, held at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin. Vijay Singh won his third major championship in a three-hole playoff against Justin Leonard and Chris DiMarco. Singh's final-round 76 was the highest by a PGA Championship winner, but he prevailed in the playoff to claim the Wanamaker Trophy.
The 86th PGA Championship began at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin. Justin Leonard and Darren Clarke shared the first-round lead after each shooting 67. Vijay Singh opened with a 68, two shots off the pace.
Vijay Singh fired a 5-under-par 67 in the second round to take the 36-hole lead at 9-under-par 135. Justin Leonard remained in contention, one stroke behind. The cut fell at 1-over-par, with many top players advancing to the weekend.
After the third round, Vijay Singh held a one-shot lead over Justin Leonard at 12-under-par. Chris DiMarco was two shots back. The stage was set for a dramatic final round with multiple contenders in close pursuit.
The 2004 PGA Championship marked the first major championship held at Whistling Straits, a Pete Dye-designed links-style course along Lake Michigan. The course would go on to host the PGA Championship again in 2010 and 2015, as well as the 2021 Ryder Cup.
With the playoff victory, Vijay Singh captured his third career major championship, adding to his 1998 PGA Championship and 2000 Masters titles. The win solidified Singh's status as one of the dominant players of the era and moved him to number one in the world rankings later that year.
The three-hole playoff was contested over holes 10, 11, and 17 at Whistling Straits. Vijay Singh won the playoff, shooting 1-under-par across the three holes. Justin Leonard finished even par and Chris DiMarco finished 2-over-par in the playoff.
Vijay Singh struggled in the final round, shooting a 4-over-par 76, the highest final round by a PGA Championship winner. Justin Leonard also faltered with a 75. Chris DiMarco shot a 71 to tie Singh and Leonard at 8-under-par 280, forcing a three-hole playoff.