After 54 holes, Rex Caldwell was the leader at 203 (−7), Crenshaw was two strokes back and Graham four behind at 207 (−3), all in search of their first major title.

Three-time champion Sam Snead set the record for the oldest player to make the cut in a major.

This was the third consecutive playoff at the PGA Championship (and nearly the fourth, as the 1976 title was decided by the final putt on the 72nd green).

Jerry Pate and Tom Watson, runners-up in the previous year's playoff, were tied with Graham in third place after 54 holes.

Watson had won three of his eight majors at this time, but never completed the career grand slam, missing the PGA Championship leg.