Who was the first American-born PGA winner?

The distinction of the first American-born PGA winner is actually attributed to Jim Barnes, not Walter Hagen. The confusion may arise from Hagen's significant impact on professional golf and his many victories. However, Jim Barnes won the PGA Championship in 1916 and is recognized as the first American-born player to achieve this title.

Walter Hagen, while an influential figure and a champion in his own right, was born in West New York, New York, not reflecting the American-born winner distinction in the context of the PGA Championship's history. He was vital in popularizing the sport and winning numerous major titles, but this specific accolade belongs to Barnes.

Understanding the details surrounding these early champions can greatly enhance knowledge of golf history and the evolution of the sport in the United States.