The 1940 PGA Championship, held at Hershey Country Club in Hershey, Pennsylvania, was a testament to endurance and skill, largely due to its demanding match play format. Unlike modern stroke play tournaments, this championship required golfers to navigate a series of head-to-head contests over an extended period. The structure of the event was meticulously laid out, spanning seven days and encompassing a total of 12 rounds, which amounted to an impressive
216 holes of golf. This rigorous schedule tested the physical and mental fortitude of every participant, culminating in Byron Nelson's victory over Sam Snead.
The Initial Challenge: Stroke Play Qualification
The tournament commenced with a 36-hole stroke play qualifier, spread across Monday and Tuesday, with 18 holes played each day. This initial phase served to narrow down the field. The defending champion automatically advanced, and the top 63 professionals from the qualifier joined him to form the match play bracket. Dick Metz emerged as the medalist in this qualifying stage, posting a score of 140, which was six strokes under par. However, even a strong qualifying performance did not guarantee success in the subsequent match play rounds, as Metz himself would later lose to eventual champion Byron Nelson in the third round.
The Heart of the Tournament: Intensive Match Play Rounds
Once the qualifiers were determined, the intensity of the match play began. Wednesday was a particularly grueling day, featuring the first two rounds, each consisting of 18 holes. This meant players who advanced had to complete 36 holes of competitive golf in a single day. Thursday brought the third round, which was extended to 36 holes, further increasing the physical demands on the golfers. This progression ensured that only the most resilient and consistent players would continue to advance through the bracket.
Navigating Delays: Semifinals and the Final Showdown
The latter stages of the championship presented additional challenges, including weather disruptions. Heavy rains on Saturday halted play halfway through the semifinals, forcing their completion to be postponed until Sunday. This delay had a ripple effect, pushing the 36-hole final round back to Monday, which happened to be Labor Day. Despite these interruptions, the tournament concluded with Byron Nelson defeating Sam Snead 1 up in the final. The extended schedule and the need to adapt to unforeseen circumstances were integral parts of the 1940 PGA Championship experience, highlighting the unique demands of its match play format.
