Sponsors use PGA to stroke clients; 34 firms to schmooze with customers while dining on swordfish, lobster. (Professional Golfers' Association Championship)

The Wanamaker -- the PGA of America's trophy -- won't be the only prize sought at Bellerive Country Club next month.

Off Bellerive's No. 10 fairway at the 1992 PGA Championship held Aug. 10-16, 34 companies -- which spent about $100,000 each to buy corporate tents -- will try to win new business by courting clients with a week of championship golf, dining and cocktail receptions.

Guests in corporate tents will dine on lunches that will include grilled swordfish, baked clams, lobster and steak -- all served on tables covered in white linen, in most cases. Food at the championship will be prepared by about 50 chefs at two separate commissaries set up by Summit Productions, which is handling catering for the championship. About 300 local waiters, bartenders and busboys will be hired to help.

In addition to the cost of tents, firms are spending between $20,000 and $50,000 each for catering service during the championship. The figure can go higher depending on how lavish a company wants the event to be. …