What are the four major golf tournaments to follow every year?

Golf is not just a game; it’s a tradition, a passion, and for many, a way of life. The sport’s rich history is encapsulated best in its four major championships, where legends are born and records are written. From the Masters held in Augusta every year to the UK-based Open Championship, let’s delve into the depths of each major, exploring their unique characteristics, their storied pasts and the iconic moments that have defined them.

The continuing popularity of golf

With golfing greats making a huge impact in the world of sport, more and more people are tuning into popular golf tournaments or even playing a game or two themselves. Golf participation was strong in the United Kingdom for the first half of 2023 so it is clear to see that golf is still a popular sport to play for many.

As well as this, many dedicated golf fans are following live coverage of games online, attending tournaments themselves, or even betting on their favourite golfers to win. The upcoming Ryder Cup promises spectacular play from many players as Team USA and Team Europe come face to face.

Ranked #1 in the world, Scottie Scheffler is part of the Team USA while number #2 Rory McIlroy makes up part of Team Europe. The latest odds from BetMGM UK have Team Europe at 23/20 and Team USA 4/6 for who is to lift the trophy. Held every two years, the Ryder Cup is one of the greatest sporting events in the world and sure inspires many fans and golfers to follow games or even play themselves.

Achieving greatness with the ‘Grand Slam’ accomplishment

Considering the four major golfing tournaments throughout the year, it’s imperative to understand the enormity of the ‘Grand Slam’ in golf. Winning all four major championships in a single calendar year is classed as achieving the Grand Slam. This feat, given the competitiveness and variability of the sport, is extremely rare.

Bobby Jones, in 1930, was the first player to complete the original Grand Slam, but he did it before the Masters was founded. Instead, his Grand Slam consisted of the U.S. Open, the Open Championship, the U.S. Amateur, and the British Amateur. However, since then, no golfer has won all four modern majors in a single season.

Instead, modernised variations of the Grand Slam include the ‘Career Grand Slam’ which involves a player winning all of the golf majors in their career. Another modern version is the ‘Tiger Slam’ which involves a player winning four majors consecutively but not in the same year. The Tiger Slam was of course named after golfing great, Tiger Woods as he is the only player to accomplish this so far.

The four major tournaments to follow each year:

1. The Masters

Location: Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia

Typically Held: April

Set amidst the serene backdrop of Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, The Masters has an aura of tradition and exclusivity like no other. Uniquely, it is the only major championship to be held at the same venue every year. One of the standout moments that have etched its way into golfing history was in 1997 when 21-year-old Tiger Woods became the youngest Masters champion in history and also broke the 72-hole record.

Another fascinating aspect of this championship is the iconic Green Jacket awarded to its champions. This emblematic attire symbolises membership to the elite Augusta National. When it comes to dominance in the Masters, Jack Nicklaus’ name rises to the forefront. With an astounding six victories, across the 1960s – 1980s, he stands tall as the most decorated golfer in Masters history.

In April this year, Spanish golfer Jon Rahm became the fourth golfer from Spain to win the Masters tournament, and effectively earn the desired green jacket. It was his second major championship win after winning the U.S. Open two years earlier. It was the 28-year-old’s seventh attempt but he managed to achieve it in the 87th edition of the Masters.

Masters champion Tiger Woods celebrates winning the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club, Sunday, April 14, 2019.

    2. PGA Championship

Location: Rotates among courses in the U.S

Typically Held: May

The PGA Championship, while rotating among U.S. courses instead of a fixed location every year, has its unique charm. In its inception in 1916, it was structured as a match play event, only to transition to stroke play in 1958. Throughout its history, two names resonate with dominance in the PGA Championship: Walter Hagen and Jack Nicklaus. Both have clinched the championship five times, reflecting their mastery and dominance in the game.

Throughout golfing history, there have been many memorable moments in the PGA tournament. A significant moment in the 2021 Championship was the moment when champion Phil Mickelson became the oldest major championship winner in history at the age of 50. Also known as ‘Lefty’ for his left-handed play (although he is right-handed), he has had many achievements throughout his career including winning six major Championships and being inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

    3. U.S. Open

 Location: Rotates among several courses in the U.S

Typically Held: June

The U.S. Open, with its ever-rotating venues, is celebrated for its exacting courses and often unforgiving playing conditions. Established in 1895, it has witnessed numerous unforgettable moments. In 2008, the championship engraved a thrilling chapter as Tiger Woods, defying an injured leg, locked horns with Rocco Mediate in a playoff. Displaying resilience and sheer class, Woods clinched victory.

When it comes to records, the U.S. Open has seen four titans of the sport — Willie Anderson, Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, and Jack Nicklaus — each securing the coveted title four times, illustrating the tournament’s competitive spirit and rich legacy. This year marked a close near win for Rory McIlroy as he looked set to win his fifth major title. However, falling short of a single stroke, Wyndham Clark prevailed at the 2023 US Open.

4. The Open Championship (British Open)

 Location: Rotates among a select group of links courses in the UK

Typically Held: July

As the oldest of the four majors, originating in 1860, The Open Championship is steeped in history. Set on the picturesque links courses of the UK, it boasts a different challenge for golfers. Among the legends of the sport, Harry Vardon stands out, clinching the title six times throughout his golfing career.

However, not all moments in this championship have been about victories and celebrations. Jean van de Velde’s 1999 debacle on the 72nd hole remains one of the most discussed moments in golf. With a three-shot lead, his subsequent unravelling stands as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sport.

The 151st Open Championship this year was held at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Merseyside and marked the first career major championship win for Brian Harman.

In summary, these four major championships represent the pinnacle of golf. They not only challenge players to showcase their skills and mental fortitude but also offer fans unforgettable moments of drama, excitement, and sheer brilliance on the green. Whether you’re a budding golfer or an ardent fan, keeping tabs on these tournaments is a must to experience the very best that the sport has to offer.