Most Golf Majors: A Complete List

AvatarByMatthew Woods Golf Blog

The Masters Tournament, the U.S. Open, the PGA Championship, and The Open Championship are collectively known as the “Big Four” of men’s professional golf. These four tournaments are the most prestigious and challenging in the world, and they attract the best golfers from around the globe.

One of the most hotly debated topics in golf is who has won the most major championships. There are currently four players tied for the all-time record with 18 major titles: Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Gary Player, and Ben Hogan. Each of these players has had a long and illustrious career, and they have all left their mark on the game of golf.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the four players who have won the most major championships. We will discuss their careers, their major wins, and their legacies. We will also try to determine who is the greatest golfer of all time.

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Rank Player Majors
1 Jack Nicklaus 18
2 Tiger Woods 15
3 Rory McIlroy 5
4 Gary Player 9
5 Ben Hogan 9

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History of the Majors

The four major golf tournaments are the oldest and most prestigious events in the sport. They are the:

  • The Masters Tournament, held at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, United States.
  • The U.S. Open, held at various courses in the United States.
  • The British Open, held at various courses in the United Kingdom.
  • The PGA Championship, held at various courses in the United States.

The origins of the majors can be traced back to the 19th century. The first major championship, the British Open, was held in 1860. The U.S. Open was founded in 1895, the PGA Championship in 1916, and The Masters in 1934.

The majors have evolved significantly over time. The format of the tournaments has changed, the courses have changed, and the prize money has increased. However, the one thing that has remained the same is the prestige of winning a major championship.

The majors are considered to be the pinnacle of achievement in golf. They are the tournaments that every professional golfer dreams of winning. Winning a major championship is a golfer’s ticket to immortality.

Major Champions

The list of all major champions is a who’s who of golf’s greatest players. Some of the most famous names in the sport have won multiple majors, including Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Arnold Palmer.

The most successful players in major history are:

  • Jack Nicklaus: 18 major championships
  • Tiger Woods: 15 major championships
  • Arnold Palmer: 7 major championships
  • Gary Player: 6 major championships
  • Ben Hogan: 5 major championships

The youngest major champion is Tom Morris Jr., who won the British Open at the age of 17 in 1868. The oldest major champion is Julius Boros, who won the PGA Championship at the age of 48 in 1968.

The majors are not only a test of golf skills, but also of mental toughness and endurance. The pressure of playing in a major championship is immense, and only the very best players are able to handle it.

Winning a major championship is the ultimate achievement in golf. It is a moment that every golfer dreams of, and it is a moment that they will never forget.

The majors are the most prestigious events in golf. They are the tournaments that every professional golfer dreams of winning. Winning a major championship is a golfer’s ticket to immortality.

The list of all major champions is a who’s who of golf’s greatest players. Some of the most famous names in the sport have won multiple majors, including Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Arnold Palmer.

The most successful players in major history are:

  • Jack Nicklaus: 18 major championships
  • Tiger Woods: 15 major championships
  • Arnold Palmer: 7 major championships
  • Gary Player: 6 major championships
  • Ben Hogan: 5 major championships

The youngest major champion is Tom Morris Jr., who won the British Open at the age of 17 in 1868. The oldest major champion is Julius Boros, who won the PGA Championship at the age of 48 in 1968.

The majors are not only a test of golf skills, but also of mental toughness and endurance. The pressure of playing in a major championship is immense, and only the very best players are able to handle it.

Winning a major championship is the ultimate achievement in golf. It is a moment that every golfer dreams of, and it is a moment that they will never forget.

Major Records

The following are some of the most notable records in major championship golf history:

  • Lowest score in major history: 264, by Branden Grace (2017 PGA Championship)
  • Most wins in a single major: 4, by Jack Nicklaus (Masters), Tiger Woods (Masters), and Rory McIlroy (PGA Championship)
  • Longest winning streak in majors: 4, by Tiger Woods (2000-2001)

The Lowest Scores in Major History

The lowest score in major championship golf history is 264, by Branden Grace at the 2017 PGA Championship. Grace shot a course-record 64 in the first round, followed by rounds of 67, 65, and 68. His total score of 264 was 16 under par, breaking the previous record of 265 set by Jordan Spieth at the 2015 Masters.

Grace’s record-breaking performance was made even more remarkable by the fact that he was playing in his first major championship. He had never previously finished in the top 10 in a major, and he had only made the cut in one other major (the 2016 PGA Championship).

Grace’s victory at the 2017 PGA Championship was a major breakthrough for his career. He has since gone on to win two more PGA Tour titles, and he has established himself as one of the top golfers in the world.

The Most Wins in a Single Major

The most wins in a single major championship is four, by Jack Nicklaus (Masters), Tiger Woods (Masters), and Rory McIlroy (PGA Championship).

Nicklaus won the Masters four times in his career: in 1963, 1965, 1966, and 1975. He is the only player to have won the Masters four times in a row.

Woods won the Masters four times in his career: in 1997, 2001, 2002, and 2005. He is the only player to have won the Masters three times in a row.

McIlroy won the PGA Championship four times in his career: in 2011, 2012, 2014, and 2015. He is the only player to have won the PGA Championship four times in a row.

The most wins in any major championship is eight, by Jack Nicklaus (four Masters, three U.S. Opens, and one PGA Championship).

The Longest Winning Streak in Majors

The longest winning streak in major championship golf history is four, by Tiger Woods (2000-2001). Woods won the Masters in 2000, the U.S. Open in 2000, the British Open in 2000, and the PGA Championship in 2001. His winning streak ended when he finished tied for fourth at the 2001 Masters.

Woods’ winning streak is the longest in major championship history, and it is one of the most remarkable achievements in golf history. He won four of the five major championships in a row, and he did it at a time when he was arguably the greatest golfer in the world.

Woods’ winning streak is a testament to his incredible talent and determination. He is one of the greatest golfers of all time, and his winning streak is one of the most memorable moments in golf history.

Major Controversies

There have been a number of major controversies in golf history, including:

  • The 1913 U.S. Open: Francis Ouimet, an amateur golfer, defeated the two top-ranked professionals in the world, Harry Vardon and Ted Ray, to win the U.S. Open. This upset is considered one of the greatest in sports history.
  • The 1969 Masters: In one of the most dramatic finishes in major championship history, Jack Nicklaus birdied the final hole to win the Masters by one stroke over George Archer.
  • The 1986 Masters: Greg Norman held a six-stroke lead going into the final round of the Masters, but he collapsed and finished second to Nick Faldo. This collapse is considered one of the greatest in sports history.
  • The 2002 U.S. Open: Tiger Woods was disqualified from the U.S. Open after

    Q: Who has the most golf majors?

A: Jack Nicklaus has won the most golf majors with 18. He won his first major at the 1962 U.S. Open and his last at the 1986 Masters. Nicklaus is also the only player to have won all four majors at least twice.

Q: Who is the current leader in golf majors?

A: Tiger Woods is the current leader in golf majors with 15. He won his first major at the 1997 Masters and his most recent at the 2019 Masters. Woods is also the only player to have won all four majors in a row.

Q: What is the most recent golf major?

A: The most recent golf major was the 2023 Masters, which was won by Scottie Scheffler. Scheffler is the second-youngest player to win the Masters, behind Tiger Woods.

Q: What is the oldest golf major?

A: The oldest golf major is the British Open, which was first played in 1860. The British Open is also known as the “Open Championship” and is the only major that is played outside of the United States.

Q: What is the most prestigious golf major?

A: There is no definitive answer to this question, as different people have different opinions on which major is the most prestigious. However, the four majors are generally considered to be of equal importance.

Q: What is the difference between a major and a regular PGA Tour event?

A: Majors are the four most prestigious golf tournaments in the world and are played on courses that are typically more challenging than regular PGA Tour events. Majors also offer larger prize purses and attract the best players in the world.

Jack Nicklaus is the greatest golfer of all time, with a record 18 major championships. He is also one of the most popular and influential figures in the sport, and his legacy will continue to inspire golfers for generations to come.

Here are some key takeaways from the article:

  • The Masters is the oldest and most prestigious of the four major golf tournaments.
  • The US Open is the most difficult of the major tournaments.
  • The PGA Championship is the most varied of the major tournaments.
  • The British Open is the oldest of the major tournaments.
  • Jack Nicklaus is the greatest golfer of all time, with a record 18 major championships.

If you are interested in learning more about golf, I encourage you to read the full article. It provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the game, as well as the different types of tournaments and courses.

Author Profile

Matthew Woods
Matthew Woods
Hello, fellow golf enthusiasts! I’m Matthew Woods, the founder of GolfPGAChampionship.com.

My journey with golf is a story of passion, perseverance, and a little twist of fate. Growing up in the picturesque town of Charleston, South Carolina, I found myself captivated by golf, a fascination that was partly kindled by sharing a last name with the legendary Tiger Woods.

This platform is more than just a website; it’s a culmination of my life’s experiences in golf. Here, I share in-depth analyses of PGA championships, personal anecdotes from my golfing journey, and tips for golfers at all levels. My aim? To make golf accessible and enjoyable for everyone, from eager beginners to seasoned players.

GolfPGAChampionship.com is a testament to my belief that golf is not just a sport, but a journey filled with learning, challenges, and personal growth. I invite you to join me in this journey, to explore the beautiful game of golf through my eyes and experiences.

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