In what year did the PGA Championship switch to stroke play format?

The PGA Championship switched to a stroke play format in 1958. Prior to that, the tournament utilized a match play format, which required head-to-head competition between players. The transition to stroke play marked a significant shift in how the championship was contested, aligning it more closely with the format used in major championships like the U.S. Open and The Open Championship. This change allowed for a more consistent and fair method of scoring, where every stroke is counted equally over the duration of the tournament.

The year 1958 is notable as it signifies the evolution of the PGA Championship into a format that emphasizes overall consistency and endurance over multiple rounds, which can often lead to different strategies from players compared to match play. This adjustment helped the tournament grow in popularity and prestige, establishing it firmly in the landscape of professional golf.