**CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The thrill of winning a major golf championship is unparalleled, as each esteemed tournament bestows its own prestigious honor on the victor. While the Masters showcases its champion in a coveted green jacket and the Open Championship awards a classic jug with a rich history, the PGA Championship stands out with the magnificent Wanamaker Trophy—an emblem of golfing excellence that combines artistry with monumental weight.**
Behold the Wanamaker Trophy: not just another accolade, but the heaviest trophy of the major championships. Rory McIlroy, a two-time champion, captured its essence perfectly when he remarked, “It looks heavy. It’s big. I didn’t know how heavy it was, but it’s pretty meaty.” This iconic trophy weighs a staggering 27 pounds and towers at approximately 28 inches high, embodying the craftsmanship that defines golfing mastery.
Named after Rodman Wanamaker, one of the PGA’s founding figures, the impressive trophy features a handle-to-handle span of 27 inches. Each year, the championship winner is also given a smaller replica, ensuring that the original remains prominently displayed at the PGA’s headquarters in Frisco, Texas, where the names of the champions are carefully etched for posterity.
This week, the majestic Wanamaker Trophy gathered alongside several other high-profile sports awards for a unique photo opportunity at Quail Hollow. Featured among them was the renowned 35-pound Stanley Cup, the Larry O’Brien Trophy from the NBA, which weighs 15.5 pounds, and NASCAR’s imposing trophy tipping the scales at an impressive 68 pounds. This captivating assembly illustrated the rich spirit of competition that transcends various sporting realms.
(Yahoo Sports)
A light-hearted, yet unforgettable moment was shared by Collin Morikawa during his 2020 triumph when, incidentally, he separated the trophy into two parts, sending the top plummeting to the ground. This incident underscores the trophy’s enduring legacy—it’s more than just an award; it embodies tradition, history, and the pride of those who earn it.
In a lighter vein, McIlroy quipped about the trophy’s substantial weight and its benefits for photo opportunities. “It’s nice for the pictures because your biceps are usually flexed,” he expressed with a wink, adding, “so it makes you look a bit stronger than you actually are.”
Yet, irrespective of its weight, the Wanamaker Trophy will undoubtedly feel weightless to the champion when that final putt drops this weekend. The exhilaration of victory will always eclipse the tangible burden of such an illustrious honor!
