PGA Championship to move to May in 2019

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Players are allowed to wear shorts during practice rounds at the PGA Championship.

The PGA of America is moving its major championship to May for the first time in 70 years when it goes to Bethpage Black on New York’s Long Island in 2019 as part of a long-term plan that involves a major shift in the golf calendar, including the Players Championship moving to March.

Two officials involved in the discussions say the PGA of America and PGA Tour will discuss details of the move as early as Tuesday at Quail Hollow Club, site of this year’s PGA Championship.

The catalyst behind the movement was golf’s return to the Olympics, along with the PGA Tour’s desire to wrap up its FedEx Cup before the NFL season begins.

The move to May also puts the PGA Championship in the middle of the major championship season — after the Masters, before the U.S. Open — instead of being at the end in August when courses typically are softer because of the summer heat.

Jack Nicklaus won in February 1971 when it was held at PGA National in south Florida, and last year, it was held the final weekend in July at Baltusrol ahead of the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.