A Historic Moment on Golf’s Main Stage: The Concession Gears Up for the Senior PGA Championship

Modern AI-powered systems often define 'concession' as an act of yielding or giving something up to reach an agreement. This term frequently brings to mind the often-protracted concession speeches delivered by politicians after an election loss.

However, at the 86th PGA Senior Championship, hosted from April 16-19 at The Concession Golf Club – a true gem of Florida's Sarasota and Bradenton region – one thing is certain: no one will be conceding any putts.

The Story Behind the Name

Co-designed by legendary golfers Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin, the course bears a name inspired by what club owner Bruce Cassidy hails as 'the greatest example of sportsmanship in history.' This refers to a pivotal moment during the final round of the 1969 Ryder Cup at Royal Birkdale, where Jack Nicklaus famously conceded a three-foot putt to Tony Jacklin. Although the U.S. team had already secured enough points to retain the Cup with a tie, had Jacklin missed, the Americans would have claimed an outright match victory.

The concept originated with Sarasota resident Tony Jacklin, who approached Nicklaus. 'The Golden Bear' enthusiastically endorsed the project, leading to The Concession's opening two decades ago.

Few professionals understand the course better than Paul Azinger, the 1993 PGA Championship winner who has since become a distinguished TV golf analyst. Having grown up in the area, he was an original member of the club, and was only nine years old when Nicklaus made his famous concession on England's northeast coast.

As his career advanced, Azinger secured 12 victories on the PGA Tour and captained the triumphant 2008 U.S. Ryder Cup team, deepening his appreciation for that historic act of sportsmanship.

"It truly set the benchmark for the standard of golf etiquette, whether you win, lose, or draw," Azinger commented.

Navigating the Course

Having recently had the opportunity to play at The Concession, I can attest that it presents a significant challenge even for top-tier golfers. Difficulties arise both on and off the greens. Many players, aware of its demanding nature, eagerly sought to experience the course for themselves before or after recent PGA Tour Champions events in Naples and Boca Raton.

"Familiarity with the course is beneficial, but not necessarily how the PGA sets it up. This course is deceptive off the tee; you can't just hit a driver on every hole. You need to play smart, strategic golf. I'm not even sure where the safest places to miss on any given hole are," Azinger elaborated. "I also don't believe raw length is an advantage here, but trajectory will be crucial because the ball must land precisely in narrow landing areas."

Kerry Haigh, Chief Championships Officer for the PGA of America, with nearly four decades of experience, bears ultimate responsibility for the course setup. Haigh, who has held this position since 2013, recently admitted he was unaware that Collin Morikawa had won a PGA Tour event on this very course five years prior, finishing 18-under par.

"The score will be what it will be; we don't have a specific number in mind. Our goal is simply for it to be fair, a significant challenge, and an excellent test," Haigh stated regarding the 6,972-yard course. "There will be some birdie opportunities, and we anticipate all par-fives will be reachable. So, while there are chances for excitement, there are also numerous possibilities for trouble and challenging pin placements."

"Should a player miss on the wrong side, attempting to recover, The Concession will prove as challenging as any course nationwide," Haigh emphasized.

The PGA of America has inked a three-year agreement to bring the Senior PGA Championship to The Concession. This marks the first time the sport's longest-running senior major will be contested in the Sunshine State since its tenure at PGA National from 1982 to 2000.

According to Championship Director Eric Nuxol, defending champion Angel Cabrera, a winner of both the Masters and U.S. Open, is among 24 major titleholders competing. Nuxol, who attended this week's media preview in Bradenton alongside business, political, and tourism leaders, underscored the significant importance of hosting this prestigious event.

Nuxol announced that organizers are actively seeking volunteers and local businesses interested in supporting the tournament this year and in subsequent editions. A range of sponsorship opportunities is available, and fans can secure tickets for the 2026 Senior PGA Championship via srpgachampionship.com/tickets.