No professional golfer knows more about The Concession Golf Club than Paul Azinger.
He was among The Concession’s original members, grew up in the Bradenton/Sarasota area and lives 40 minutes from the club.
What Azinger loves the most about the Concession is the genesis of the name. It’s a reference to a famous moment in the 1969 Ryder Cup when Jack Nicklaus conceded a three-foot putt to Tony Jacklin, when the United States team already had scored enough points to retain the Cup (through a tie); had Jacklin missed the putt, the U.S. would have won the match outright.
Azinger was 9 at the time, but by the time he went to college he understood the meaning of Nicklaus’ gesture. Now, having been captain of the wining U.S. Ryder Cup team in 2008, even more so.
“I just think it’s one of the greatest displays of sportsmanship, and it really kind of set the bar for what the standard should be for golf etiquette, win lose or draw,” Azinger said at Monday’s media day a month away from the Senior PGA Championship being held at The Concession on April 16-19.
“Jack knew there was no way he could allow any man to live with the tragedy of missing that gimme, but he wasn’t going to allow it. It signifies the importance of sportsmanship and job well done right to the very end.”
Jacklin, a longtime Sarasota resident, approached Nicklaus with the idea, the Golden Bear loved it, and The Concession opened in 2006
The PGA of America signed a three-year deal to move the Senior PGA Championship to The Concession. It marks the first time the oldest senior major championship – this year is the 86th edition – will be played in Florida since it was held at PGA National from 1982-2000.
Azinger will spend championship week as the unofficial host, but there’s a chance be could have another duty: As a player.
Azinger said Monday he’s considering playing in the Senior PGA Championship – he’s eligible as the 1993 PGA champ. The Senior PGA will be held the week after the Masters.
“I’ve kind of fallen in love with the game again because I play with my 9-year-old grandson,” the 66-year-old Azinger said. “I’m going to wait a few days before I decide. Why wouldn’t I? Why would I? Some things are better not for public consumption.”
Azinger will have to decide by Friday’s deadline. But he could also play the next two years. Either way, Azinger will be smiling when the first shot is hit April 16.
“It’s great for the area,” he said. “There is probably not many communities growing faster than the Sarasota-Manatee county areas. We’re going to have an economic boom, and this golf tournament is going to be a big reason why.
Nathan Charnes, PGA of America Vice-President, said holding three consecutive Senior PGA Championships at the Concession enables the championship to have continuity and establish traditions within the Bradenton/Sarasota community.
“We're really excited,” Charnes said. “One of the things that's special about having a home venue for a few years is the opportunity to keep improving upon the experience and the event. We're thrilled to be at The Concession — it's a great golf course, should be in great shape, and the weather should cooperate.
“But beyond all that, we're excited to establish a home for the next three years and hopefully build some momentum, maybe even create some new traditions there. We're always excited for these events and especially for our PGA members who get to compete, but having that consistency for at least three years is something we're really looking forward to.”
Angel Cabrera, who won a Masters and a U.S. Open, is the defending champion, edging World Golf Hall of Famer Padraig Harrington and Thomas Bjorn by a shot. It was Cabrera’s second major title in six days on the 50-and-older tour.
Fans are able to get tickets to the 2026 Senior PGA Championship at https://www.srpgachampionship.com/tickets/
Among the notable tournaments hosted by The Concession is the 2021 World Golf Championship-Workday Championship that was won by Collin Morikawa by three shots at 18-under 270; and the inaugural World Champions Cup, comprised of three seven-man teams from the PGA Tour Champions, in 2023 that was won by Team USA.
