Playing sparingly in 1961, but winning the "unofficial" 54-hole Sahara Pro-Am in Las Vegas, Nevada, Rodgers started his first full year on the PGA Tour in 1962, which began with the Los Angeles Open. Tied for the lead after 54 holes with Fred Hawkins at 206, Rodgers ran away from the field shooting a 9-under-par 62 making 9 birdies and 9 pars to win his first championship by 9 strokes.
In 1961, Rodgers played sparingly but triumphed in the "unofficial" Sahara Pro-Am in Las Vegas, Nevada.  He began his first full PGA Tour season in 1962 at the Los Angeles Open and secured his first championship by a nine-stroke margin after a dominant performance.