What is Golf’s 4 Majors? They are the four most important men’s golf tournaments: The Masters, the PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and the Open Championship. These events are the biggest in golf, shaping careers and creating legends.
Golf is a game of skill, patience, and focus. Every year, professional golfers compete in many tournaments, but the majors stand above all. Winning a major is a dream for every player, and winning all four in a career, known as a Career Grand Slam, is one of the hardest achievements in sports.
This guide will help you understand Golf’s 4 Majors, including their history, schedule, famous winners, and interesting facts. You’ll get the full picture if you’re curious about the game.
What Are Golf’s 4 Majors?
In men’s professional golf, the four biggest tournaments are called the majors. They are:
The Masters Tournament
The PGA Championship
The U.S. Open
The Open Championship (British Open)
Winning one of these tournaments is a huge achievement. Winning all four during a career is called a Career Grand Slam, something only a few golfers have ever done.
Why Are the 4 Majors So Important?
The majors are not just about money or trophies, they represent honor, history, and tradition. Every professional golfer dreams of holding a major trophy because it means joining legends like Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Ben Hogan.
Each major has its own story, its own course type, and its own challenges. Together, they form the foundation of men’s major championships in golf.
History of Golf’s 4 Majors
The idea of “four majors” grew over time. Here’s how it began:
- The Open Championship started in 1860 in Scotland. It’s the oldest golf tournament in the world.
- The U.S. Open began in 1895, testing golfers on tough American courses.
- The PGA Championship was first played in 1916.
- The Masters came later, in 1934, and quickly became one of the most loved events.
Since then, these four tournaments have become the dream stage for every top PGA Tour player.
The Masters Tournament (April – Augusta, Georgia, USA)
The Masters is played every April at the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. It’s the only major held at the same course every year.
Fans recognize it instantly for its green fairways, colorful flowers, and the famous green jacket, the prize every winner receives.
People know The Masters for its peaceful setting and emotional moments. Golf fans still remember Tiger Woods’ comeback win in 2019, one of the greatest moments in sports history.
Quick Facts:
- Founded by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts in 1934
- Winner receives a green jacket
- Known for its beautiful course and quiet atmosphere
PGA Championship (May – Various Courses, USA)
The PGA Championship is organized by the Professional Golfers’ Association of America. It’s usually held in May and rotates among top golf courses across the United States.
This tournament is known for tough setups and strong fields. The winner takes home the Wanamaker Trophy, one of the most respected prizes in golf.
Fans love it because it often produces dramatic finishes. Some of the world’s best golf players, including Brooks Koepka, Rory McIlroy, and Phil Mickelson, have won this event multiple times.
Quick Facts:
- First played in 1916
- Part of the official PGA Tour schedule
- Known for testing both skill and mental strength
U.S. Open (June – USA)
The U.S. Open is one of the hardest golf tournaments in the world. It’s run by the United States Golf Association (USGA) and is usually played in June.
This event is famous for its difficult courses — narrow fairways, thick rough, and fast greens. Only the most focused golfers survive its pressure.
The U.S. Open has created many unforgettable moments, like Tiger Woods’ win at Torrey Pines in 2008, where he played with an injured leg and still won.
Quick Facts:
- Started in 1895
- Organized by USGA
- Tests every part of a golfer’s game
The Open Championship (July – UK)
The Open Championship, also called the British Open, is the oldest of all four majors. It began in 1860 in Scotland, the home of golf.
This tournament is played on traditional links courses in the United Kingdom. These courses are near the coast, which means players often face strong wind and rain. That’s what makes the Open so unpredictable and exciting.
The winner receives the Claret Jug, a silver trophy that every golfer dreams of holding.
Quick Facts:
- Oldest golf tournament in the world
- Played on links courses
- Weather plays a big role in every round
The Career Grand Slam in Golf
Winning all four majors in a career is called a Career Grand Slam. Only a few players have achieved this amazing goal:
- Jack Nicklaus
- Tiger Woods
- Gary Player
- Ben Hogan
- Gene Sarazen
Each of these golfers became part of history by winning every major at least once.
Golf Majors Schedule
Here’s when the majors usually take place each year:
| Major | Month | Location |
| The Masters | April | Augusta, Georgia (USA) |
| PGA Championship | May | Various U.S. courses |
| U.S. Open | June | Various U.S. courses |
| The Open Championship | July | United Kingdom |
These events make up the golf calendar that fans and players look forward to every year.
How to Watch Golf’s 4 Majors
If you want to enjoy the action live, you can watch these tournaments through:
- TV networks like CBS, NBC, and Sky Sports
- Online streaming on official PGA and USGA websites
- Golf apps that show live leaderboards and highlights
Watching these events helps you understand the excitement, traditions, and skill that make golf special.
Women’s Golf Majors (Bonus Insight)
Just like men, women also have their own major championships. The top five in women’s professional golf are:
- ANA Inspiration
- U.S. Women’s Open
- Women’s PGA Championship
- The Evian Championship
- Women’s British Open
These tournaments are part of the LPGA Tour, and they represent the highest level of women’s golf.
Famous Moments in Golf’s Major History
Golf’s 4 majors have produced countless memories, such as:
- Tiger Woods winning The Masters in 1997 by 12 strokes.
- Jack Nicklaus capturing his 18th major at age 46.
- Tom Watson almost winning The Open at age 59.
These moments show that golf is not only about skill, it’s also about heart, patience, and belief.
Fun Facts About Golf’s 4 Majors
- The Masters winner keeps the green jacket for one year, then returns it.
- The U.S. Open course changes every year to keep it challenging.
- The Open Championship is the only major held outside the U.S.
- The PGA Championship moved from August to May in 2019.
- Jack Nicklaus holds the record for 18 major titles.
FAQs About Golf’s 4 Majors
1. What are the 4 majors in golf called?
The Masters, PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and The Open Championship (British Open).
2. Which is the oldest golf major?
The Open Championship, started in 1860, is the oldest.
3. Who has won the most golf majors?
Jack Nicklaus, with 18 major wins.
4. What is the hardest golf major?
Many players say the U.S. Open because of its tough courses.
5. What is the Grand Slam in golf?
Winning all four majors in a career.
Conclusion
Golf’s 4 majors are more than just tournaments, they are a celebration of tradition, talent, and history.
Each event brings something unique to the game, from the beauty of Augusta to the wind of Scotland.
Whether you are a golf fan or just starting to learn, understanding these four tournaments will help you enjoy the sport even more. Every swing, every green, and every victory tells a story, and that’s what makes golf’s majors so special.