A Wanamaker's early golf links

As pro golfers head to the 97th PGA Championship in Wisconsin this month, local golfers can tee up with a look at Philadelphia's intimate connection to the game through Rodman Wanamaker, son of the department-store magnate John Wanamaker.

Born in Philadelphia, Lewis Rodman Wanamaker (1863-1928) grew up in the bustle of his father's commercial empire. By the time of Rodman's birth, John Wanamaker was on his way to establishing the eponymous department store with branches in America and Europe. In 1889, Rodman became manager of Wanamaker's in Paris. When his father died in 1922, Rodman took over all store operations.

Rather reserved - unlike his father - Rodman took to golf early on. He called the first meeting of what would become the PGA in New York City in 1916. Rodman and his cohorts, including golfer Walter Hagen and course designer A.W. Tillinghast, sought to promote professional golf and its practitioners through the support of a national organization.

At the time, professional golfers were considered working class and lacked the social status of amateur club players. The PGA set itself apart from other amateur golf organizations by hosting a yearly, all-professional tournament. For the victor, Rodman commissioned a 27-pound silver cup, which was two feet wide from handle to handle.

Rodman also took up causes beyond the fairway. Large photographic expeditions sent west to document the remaining Native American cultural traditions were made possible through his financing. Rodman also acted as an early backer of transatlantic flight, sponsoring aviation projects and seaplane research. Rodman died in Atlantic City in 1928.

Still, his golf legacy stands out: It is, after all, a miniature replica of the Wanamaker Trophy the pros are chasing in Wisconsin.