<P> Through 2018, the state of New York has hosted twelve times, followed by Ohio (11) and Pennsylvania (9). </P> <P> The tournament was previously promoted with the slogan "Glory's Last Shot". In 2013, the tagline had been dropped in favor of "The Season's Final Major", as suggested by PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem while discussing the allowance of a one - week break in its schedule before the Ryder Cup . Finchem had argued that the slogan was not appropriate as it weakened the stature of events that occur after it, such as the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup playoffs . PGA of America CEO Pete Bevacqua explained that they had also had discussions with CBS, adding that "it was three entities that all quickly came to the same conclusion that, you know what, there's just not much in that tag line and we don't feel it's doing much for the PGA Championship, so let's not stick with it . Let's think what else is out there ." For a time, the tournament used the slogan "This is Major" as a replacement . </P> <P> The PGA Championship was established for the purpose of providing a high - profile tournament specifically for professional golfers at a time when they were generally not held in high esteem in a sport that was largely run by wealthy amateurs . This origin is still reflected in the entry system for the Championship . It is the only major that does not explicitly invite leading amateurs to compete (it is possible for amateurs to get into the field, although the only viable ways are by winning one of the other major championships, or winning a PGA Tour event while playing on a sponsor's exemption), and the only one that reserves a large number of places, 20 of 156, for club professionals . These slots are determined by the top finishers in the club pro championship, which is held in June . </P> <P> Since December 1968, the PGA Tour has been independent of the PGA of America . </P>

Who are the club pros playing in the pga championship