From 1916 to 1957, the PGA Championship was determined by Match Play, not stroke play. Though for many years, both stroke play and match play were actually used. The 1st two rounds were stroke play, with top qualifiers moving on to match play. 

After those first two rounds of the PGA Championship, medalist honors were awarded to the low scorer - with the top prize being the Alex Smith Memorial Medal. 

Offered here is Doug Ford's personal Alex Smith medal from winning medalist honors at the 1955 PGA Championship. The fact that Doug Ford then went on to win the 1955 PGA Championship simply makes this medal all the more special. It should be noted that Doug Ford himself believed this to be his Champion's medal from the 1955 PGA Championship, so it is unclear whether he won another medal at the '55 PGA. 

Letter of Provenance from Doug Ford.