WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. — The Rochester region is once again hosting the world’s best golfers this week at Oak Hill Country Club in Pittsford for the PGA Championship.
While it’s the fourth time that major tournament has been held there, only one other course in New York state outside of the New York City metropolitan area has been home to the PGA Championship: Park Country Club outside of Buffalo.
It's a golf course rich in beauty and tradition. The club began at Buffalo’s Delaware Park in 1903 and moved its current home in Williamsville in 1927.
"I’ve certainly never taken it for granted coming down 18 when you see this beautiful view behind me. You realize you’re lucky to be here," said longtime member and past president Bob Morber.
You might be surprised to learn the club became a part of major golf’s lore when it played host to the PGA Championship in 1934.
"Long before my time I would like to point out," joked William Crowe, the club's current president.
As he looks back through the history of the course and that tournament nearly 90 years ago, there’s a feeling of pride in being a member of the only venue in Upstate New York other than Oak Hill to host the PGA Championship.
"Very rare, just to be talked about in the same conversation is really special," Crowe said.
Back in 1934, the tournament was a match play format. In the final match, it was two future World Golf Hall-of-Famers: with Paul Runyan outlasting Craig Wood in extra holes to win the Wanamaker Trophy for the first of two times.
"He wasn’t one of the longer hitters, but they called him ‘Little Poison’ for a reason. When he got around the green, he could chip," Morber said of Runyan.
He saw it firsthand. As past-president of the club, Morber actually played a round of golf with a nearly 90-year-old Paul Runyan in 1998, when the champ returned to the site of one of his greatest triumphs.
"He made a lot pars by getting up and down from 50-80 yards out,” Morber said. “He was still a tremendous player. It was really enjoyable to watch him.”
According to Morber, Runyan still remembered distinct features of the course, including the location of several holes and changes made over the years, and the bridge over Ellicott Creek that was designated for players to walk to the 18th green. Spectators had to cross through the water to get a glimpse.
There are reminders of Runyan and Park’s PGA Championship legacy — including a rock on the first tee commemorating the event.
"And he actually was so emotional, he teared up when he saw it. He couldn’t believe we had it there in his honor," Morber said of Runyan's trip to Park back in back in 1998.
Years later, the club paid tribute to its PGA champ when it expanded the clubhouse to add what’s now known as the Runyan Room, filled with memorabilia and artifacts from that tournament.
"I think it puts a course on another whole level when you have a major, even way back then," Morber said. "I think it’s very, very special they picked this place. I’m thrilled they did.”
Golf has changed a great deal since 1934. Crowe recalls reading that Runyan's prize for winning the tournament was about $1,200. But Park’s place in history will always remain.
"It is very special, and no one can ever take that away from the Park Country Club," Crowe said.
The relationship between Park Country Club and Oak Hill Country Club goes beyond each hosting the PGA Championship. Members have a reciprocal which allows them to play the other course. And several of Park’s members are serving as marshals at the PGA Championship on Oak Hill’s East Course this week.