In professional golf, victory at a major championship represents the pinnacle of achievement. The four prestigious tournaments for men—the Masters Tournament, PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and The Open Championship—test golfers’ skills and mental fortitude like no other.
The Masters Tournament, held annually at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, USA, is the first major of the calendar year, typically played in the first week of April. While it is the youngest of the four majors, it is often said to be the most tradition-laden. It is the only major played at the same course each year.
The PGA Championship, organized by the Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA of America), was founded in 1916. It is traditionally the second major played during the season.
The U.S. Open is conducted by the United States Golf Association (USGA). Founded in 1881, it is the second-oldest major but the oldest of the three major tournaments played on American soil.
The Open Championship is the formal name of the last major championship of the year. It is also the oldest major and the oldest professional golf tournament in the world, dating back to 1860. It is sometimes referred to as the “British Open,” especially in the United States, to differentiate it from the U.S. Open. However, the tournament organizers adamantly dislike this term.
Among the champions of these tournaments, a select few have etched their names even deeper into history by accumulating an unrivaled number of major titles. These golfers have achieved legendary careers by conquering the most majors and therefore considered among the greatest golfers of all time.
1. Jack Nicklaus
18 championships
- Masters: 6 wins
- PGA Championship: 5 wins
- U.S. Open: 4 wins
- “British” Open: 3 wins
2. Tiger Woods
15 championships
- Masters: 5 wins
- PGA Championship: 4 wins
- U.S. Open: 3 wins
- “British” Open: 3 wins
3. Walter Hagen
11 championships
- Masters: 0 wins
- PGA Championship: 5 wins
- U.S. Open: 2 wins
- “British” Open: 4 wins
4. Ben Hogan
9 championships
- Masters: 2 wins
- PGA Championship: 2 wins
- U.S. Open: 4 wins
- “British” Open: 1 win
4. Gary Player
9 championships
- Masters: 3 wins
- PGA Championship: 2 wins
- U.S. Open: 1 win
- “British” Open: 3 wins
6. Tom Watson
8 championships
- Masters: 2 wins
- PGA Championship: 0 wins
- U.S. Open: 1 win
- “British” Open: 5 wins
7. Harry Vardon
7 championships
- Masters: 0 wins
- PGA Championship: 0 wins
- U.S. Open: 1 win
- “British” Open: 6 wins
7. Bobby Jones
7 championships
- Masters: 0 wins
- PGA Championship: 0 wins
- U.S. Open: 4 wins
- “British” Open: 3 wins
7. Gene Sarazen
7 championships
- Masters: 1 win
- PGA Championship: 3 wins
- U.S. Open: 2 wins
- “British” Open: 1 win
7. Sam Snead
7 championships
- Masters: 3 wins
- PGA Championship: 3 wins
- U.S. Open: 0 wins
- “British” Open: 1 win
7. Arnold Palmer
7 championships
- Masters: 4 wins
- PGA Championship: 0 wins
- U.S. Open: 1 win
- “British” Open: 2 wins
12. Lee Trevino
6 championships
- Masters: 0 wins
- PGA Championship: 2 wins
- U.S. Open: 2 wins
- “British” Open: 2 wins
12. Nick Faldo
6 championships
- Masters: 3 wins
- PGA Championship: 0 wins
- U.S. Open: 0 wins
- “British” Open: 3 wins
12. Phil Mickelson
6 championships
- Masters: 3 wins
- PGA Championship: 2 wins
- U.S. Open: 0 wins
- “British” Open: 1 win
