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Memorable PGA Championship moments at Southern Hills Country Club

The PGA Tour’s second major of the year will tee off at Southern Hills Country Club, a truly classic course in professional golf that holds some 80 years of history. And what awaits fans those four days at the 104th PGA Championship has all the elements to be a grand follow-up act to the Masters.

Like a few of the great courses, including Augusta National, Southern Hills mixes something old with something new. The initial 1935 layout by famed course architect Perry Maxwell was restored in 2018, an overhaul by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner that included adapted designs to hold up to the modern era.

So, while fans attending will follow in the footsteps of the past, they’ll also be watching golf’s best face an 18-hole challenge that plays 450 yards longer than it did in 2007—an overall layout that measures 7,556 yards with just two par 5s, both stretching over 630 yards.

It’s the kind of setup that is prime for dynamic shot-making and must-see moments from the top golfers in the world, one that would be incredible to watch from the rolling landscape. And if you’re looking to take in that unique experience live from Southern Hills, then TicketSmarter can help begin the memorable journey to Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Whether you’re looking for a specific practice round or any day during the PGA Championship, the online ticket reseller makes it easy for fans to search for and buy tickets.

Each purchase is backed by a 100% guarantee, too, which helps highlight a hassle-free setup that many fans are not used to enjoying in the ticket-buying world.

So, are you ready for the thrills of the 2022 PGA Championship? It’ll be a PGA record fifth for Southern Hills to host, and if the chase for this year’s Wanamaker Trophy continues the trend of the past four at the historic course… then what an experience it will be!

Take a look.

1970 PGA Championship

(AP Photo)

All eyes were on the Big Three (Gary Player, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus) as the 1970 PGA Championship arrived at Southern Hills. And while Nicklaus and Player faded into the field, Palmer was in contention for all 72 holes.

But Arnie wouldn’t prevail as the champ, falling short to 28-year-old Dave Stockton by two strokes in what turned out to be “The King’s” final run at winning all four majors.

And one of the deciding factors in the 52nd PGA Championship also became a lasting image that’s now part of PGA lore. During Round 2, Palmer had to play his third shot on the 12th hole while standing in nearly knee-deep water. Shoes on.

It didn’t go well, with the attempt only moving the ball a few feet.

Eventually, he tapped in for a double bogey, which cost him the lead and, in hindsight, the tournament.

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1982 PGA Championship

(AP Photo/Mark Duncan)

The 1982 PGA Championship got off to a roaring start thanks to Raymond Floyd, who fired a record-tying 63 in Round 1. It sparked a four-day surge—while braving the hot and muggy August conditions—that saw golfers like Fred Couples and Lanny Wadkins make a valiant run…

But none could catch up to the frontrunner. And that was thanks in part to a bit of help from a special person in the gallery.

As the story goes, Floyd’s struggles in the first 11 holes on Sunday were quickly remedied by a piece of advice his wife Maria gave him: “Quit messing around and win this thing.”

He listened. And not long after, Floyd would hoist the Wanamaker Trophy at the 64th PGA Championship.

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1994 PGA Championship

(Getty Images)

Nick Price’s 1994 PGA Championship run was as dominant as any in history. Facing an incredibly strong field, he took off on Thursday and didn’t let up until Sunday’s round was complete, and he was holding the Wanamaker Trophy.

But that incredible achievement was no match for Arnie’s stroll up No. 18 on Friday, an emotional farewell to his final PGA Championship.

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2007 PGA Championship

(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

After the first round of the 2007 PGA Championship at Southern Hills, a six-shot deficit only created a more anticipated build to the expected Tiger Woods Comeback tale.

Woods’ dominance was at its pinnacle, made evident by the 63 on Friday that had him back in the mix and on his way to an eventual two-shot victory over Woody Austin. It was another typical hot summer test—which should be alleviated in 2022 by the schedule shift that places the major in May instead of August—but one Woods had little issue overcoming.

As for the memorable moment? Tiger Woods is always good for displaying how “one picture can be worth a thousand words.”

Fifteen years after Tiger rolled into Southern Hills as the favorite and defending champ—and, as a first-time father—his name wisps through the rolling hills as this year’s tournament nears.

The excitement Woods provides is simply unmatched in golf.

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