The first round of the 2026 PGA Championship is underway at Aronimink Golf Club, and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is already making a statement—not just with his game, but with his footwear. The four-time major champion is sporting a very special pair of Nike golf shoes that have everyone talking.
The shoes feature the words "lost" and "found" on the soles, a clever nod to a bizarre chapter in golf history involving five-time PGA Championship winner Walter Hagen. Back in 1925, after winning the tournament, Hagen handed the trophy to his cab driver and told him to take it to his hotel. The trophy never arrived—it was officially lost.
Hagen went on to win the PGA Championship again in 1926 and 1927, so he didn't need to fess up about the missing hardware. But in 1928, he finally admitted the trophy was gone. Then, in 1930, the trophy magically reappeared when Hagen stumbled upon it in an old trunk. A New York Evening Journal headline from Oct. 6, 1930, read: "In Detroit last week. Hagen, while going through some old trunks, unearthed a bulky package. Lo, and behold! It was the P.G.A. trophy which had been lost and was found again."
Scheffler's shoes are part of Nike's tradition of releasing special editions for each major tournament, but these are particularly meaningful. The design not only honors Hagen's legacy but also adds a layer of storytelling to Scheffler's quest for another major title. Fans have already noticed the unique soles as Scheffler navigates the challenging course, which includes the monster 11th hole that devours scores.
If Scheffler wins this week, there's little chance he'll repeat Hagen's mistake. With modern security and a fleet of private drivers, the Wanamaker Trophy is in safe hands. But the shoes serve as a reminder that even the greatest champions can have a moment of absent-mindedness.
This isn't the only quirky story to emerge from the PGA Championship. Bryson DeChambeau was left scratching his head over a bizarre staircase ruling, and Jon Rahm's club smash that hit a volunteer sparked outrage. Meanwhile, Garrick Higgo offered a cold-weather excuse for a two-stroke penalty.
As Scheffler tees off, all eyes are on his feet—and his game. Will the lost-and-found story inspire him to victory? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure: these shoes are a hit.
