What Are The 4 Majors of Golf: A Complete Fan's Guide

• Why Are Majors So Important In Golf?​
• What Are The 4 Majors of Golf?
• Has Any Golfer Won All Four Majors?
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Golf is a sport with a rich history and deep traditions. Among the various tournaments, the four major championships stand out as particularly significant. What are the 4 majors of golf? These events are renowned for their prestige, historical importance, and substantial prize money, which attracts countless golfers from around the world. As a devoted golf enthusiast with ten years of experience, I will explore the exciting details of these four major tournaments in this guide. I aim to enhance your understanding and appreciation of the sport while addressing the most pressing questions of golf lovers.

Why Are Majors So Important In Golf?

The majors are considered the most significant tournaments in professional golf for several reasons:

Prestige

Plain and simple, a major win is a legacy-maker. Winning a regular tour event is fantastic, but winning a major etches your name into the history books. It is the highest achievement in the sport, elevating a player from tour winner to lasting legend.

Global Attention

The majors are golf’s global Super Bowls. Majors attract a worldwide audience far beyond regular golf fans. They dominate sports media, create global storylines, and capture the attention of millions who may not watch golf at any other time of the year.

Historical Significance

Each major is steeped in tradition, played on iconic courses with decades—sometimes centuries—of storied competition. Winning one means joining a list of champions that includes the greatest names in golf history.

Ranking Points & Prize Money

Beyond the glory, the rewards are substantial. Majors offer the most world ranking points and some of the largest prize funds in golf. A strong performance can dramatically improve a player's ranking, earnings, and tournament eligibility for years to come.

What Are The 4 Majors of Golf?

The four major championships, often called "the majors," are the most prestigious events in professional golf. They are the Masters Tournament, the PGA Championship, the U.S. Open, and the Open Championship (also known as the British Open). Winning any one of these tournaments cements a player's place in history, and winning all four over a career—known as the "career grand slam"—is one of the sport's ultimate achievements.

1. The Masters Tournament

Founded: 1934

A Tradition Unlike Any Other

Held every April at the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, The Masters is the season’s first major and arguably the most iconic. It is the only major played at the same breathtakingly beautiful course every year. The Masters is known for having the highest prize money and the most exclusive field, with invitations sent to fewer than 100 golfers based on strict criteria.

• The Vibe & The Challenge: Augusta is all about second-shot golf. Precision and strategy on the approach shots are key. The undulating, lightning-fast greens are where tournaments are won and lost. The atmosphere is steeped in tradition—from the Champions Dinner and the Par-3 Contest to the ceremonial opening tee shots.
• Why It’s Special: The winner dons the iconic Green Jacket, a symbol of membership into golf’s most exclusive club. The back nine on Sunday, with pivotal holes like Amen Corner (11, 12, 13), provides the most dramatic theater in the sport. Jack Nicklaus holds the record for most wins with six.

Dress Tips:​ Additionally, it is worth noting that at Augusta, both players and spectators are expected to reflect a classic and elegant demeanor in their attire. You can refer to the page dedicated to the best Master's golf apparel.

2. The PGA Championship

Founded:​ 1916

Glory's Last Shot for the Pros

Managed by the Professional Golfers' Association of America, the PGA Championship is traditionally held in May (formerly August) as the season's second major. It boasts one of the strongest fields of the year, deep with top-ranked touring professionals. It is unique in reserving 20 spots for club professionals.

• The Vibe & The Challenge:​ This is a brutal test of all-around skill. The PGA is often set up on classic, challenging courses that demand both power off the tee and creativity on the greens. The rough is usually punishing, rewarding the most complete player. The tournament switched from match play to stroke play in 1958.
• Why It’s Special:​ Winning the massive Wanamaker Trophy​ is a testament to being a complete and resilient player. Walter Hagen and Jack Nicklaus share the record for most victories with five each.

Dress Tips:​ This event, focused on professional players, demands attire that balances performance and style. Brands that incorporate fashionable elements are excellent choices, and you can explore this stylish men's golf shirts category page.

3.  The US Open

Founded:​ 1895

The Ultimate Survival Test

Run by the USGA in June, the U.S. Open's stated goal is to identify the best player by presenting the toughest examination in golf. It is widely considered the most difficult tournament to win due to its notoriously punishing course setups.

• The Vibe & The Challenge:​ "Par is a good score" is the U.S. Open mantra. The USGA is known for its diabolical setups: narrow fairways, thick, juicy rough, and firm, fast greens that repel anything but a perfect shot. It’s a grueling week where patience is the greatest virtue.
• Why It’s Special:​ Winning a U.S. Open is a supreme badge of honor. It proves a player has the grit, toughness, and mental fortitude to outlast everyone else under extreme conditions. Willie Anderson, Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, and Jack Nicklaus are tied for the most wins with four each.

Dress Tips:​ Facing this ultimate test of endurance, the comfort, functionality, and protection of clothing are essential to maintain peak performance under demanding conditions. You can view these performance quarter zips for suitable options.

4.  The Open Championship

Founded:​ 1860

The Game's Oldest Test

The Open Championship, commonly known as the British Open, is the world's oldest golf major and the only one regularly held outside the United States. It takes place in July on historic links courses​ in the United Kingdom, which are characterized by their coastal location, few trees, deep pot bunkers, and unpredictable wind that serves as the primary defense.

• The Vibe & The Challenge:​ This is golf in its most primal form. The challenge isn't just the opponent, but the elements. Players must master low, running shots and exhibit incredible creativity to navigate the firm, fast-running fairways and fierce winds.
• Why It’s Special:​ The winner is awarded the historic Claret Jug, arguably golf's most recognizable trophy. The Open offers a connection to the ancient traditions of the game. Harry Vardon holds the record with six victories.

Dress Tips:​ When dealing with the coastal winds and changeable weather on a links course, windproof, warm, and versatile clothing is key. Layered styling is especially practical here, and these best golf hoodies are an excellent choice to consider.

Has Any Golfer Won All Four Majors?

Yes, there have been golfers who have won all four major championships. In the history of men’s professional golf, only six players have achieved the Career Grand Slam—winning each of the four modern majors at different points in their careers.

Here is the list of the six legendary players who have completed the Career Grand Slam:

1. Gene Sarazen​ – First to accomplish this feat, in 1935.
2. Ben Hogan​ – Achieved it in 1953, winning three majors that year (he did not compete in the PGA Championship due to a schedule conflict).
3. Gary Player​ – Completed the slam in 1965, the only South African to do so.
4. Jack Nicklaus​ – Achieved it in 1966 and went on to win each major at least three times in his career.
5. Tiger Woods​ – Completed the Career Grand Slam in 2000 at age 24, becoming the youngest to do so. He is also the only player to hold all four majors consecutively across two seasons, an achievement known as the Tiger Slam.
6. Rory McIlroy​ – The most recent to join this elite group, after winning the Masters in 2025.

Below is their journey to winning the golf Grand Slam:

Golfer	Year Completed	Masters	PGA Champ	U.S. Open	Open Champ	Total Majors
Gene Sarazen	1935	1 (1935)	3 (1922-33)	1 (1922)	1 (1932)	7
Ben Hogan	1953	2 (1951, 53)	2 (1946, 48)	4 (1948-53)	1 (1953)	9
Gary Player	1965	3 (1961, 74, 78)	2 (1962, 72)	1 (1965)	3 (1959-74)	9
Jack Nicklaus	1966	6 (1963-86)	5 (1963-80)	4 (1962-80)	3 (1966-78)	18
Tiger Woods	2000	5 (1997-2019)	4 (1999-2007)	3 (2000-08)	3 (2000-06)	15
Rory McIlroy	2025	1 (2025)	4 (2012-23)	1 (2011)	1 (2014)	7

It’s worth noting that Bobby Jones won all four major amateur and open championships of his era in 1930—the only player to complete a Grand Slam in a single calendar year—though that was before the modern four professional majors were established. In the professional era, no golfer has yet won all four majors in the same year.

You may also like: Who is the Best Golfer of All Time?

                                The History of Golf: From Origins to the Present

Conclusion

In summary, the four major championships in golf serve as the ultimate test of a player's skill, endurance, and mental fortitude. From the beautiful azaleas of Augusta to the intense competition of the PGA Tour, each tournament is steeped in rich tradition. Together, they create a unique chapter in the legendary story of this sport, providing players and fans with an exceptional experience. Whether you are a seasoned golf enthusiast or new to the game, appreciating the significance of these events will deepen your love for the sport. Enjoy this grand celebration of golf!

FAQs

Which PGA major is the hardest to win?

Most pros will tell you the U.S. Open​ is the toughest test. The USGA is famous for its brutal setups—narrow fairways, punishing rough, and rock-hard greens that turn every round into a survival challenge. It’s less about making birdies and more about avoiding big mistakes, which is why winning one is considered the ultimate badge of grit and patience.

What is the highest-paid golf tournament?

While the majors have huge prestige, the highest prize purse​ typically belongs to The Players Championship, often called the “fifth major.” Its total purse has reached around 20millioninrecentyears, with the winner taking home over 3 million—topping even the richest major championships in pure prize money.

Which golf major is the most prestigious?

For pure tradition, aura, and magic, nothing beats The Masters. Winning at Augusta National means joining an exclusive club, slipping on the iconic green jacket, and etching your name into golf’s most celebrated legacy. The course itself is a character, and the pressure on Sunday is unlike anything else in the sport, which is why many view it as the crown jewel of the majors.