Top 4 Biggest Majors in Golf
Top 4 Biggest Majors in Golf
Every year, millions gather to watch the four most prestigious golf tournaments - the kingmakers that define the next year's invitations, hype, and sponsorships.
Winning just one of these events is enough to transform a professional golfer's career. It was at the 1960 U.S. Open where golf legend Arnold Palmer two-putted for birdie and stole the show with six birdies - in only his first seven holes.
What are the majors in golf? They're more than just a spectacular trophy.
1. PGA Masters Tournament
Each April, the best golfers, and the sport's most loyal fans descend upon August National Golf Club in Georgia for the Masters Tournament.
The Masters kicks off the season's marquee golf events, and the green jacket handed down to its winner is the most coveted prize in golf. Winners of the tournament are in good company: they see their names alongside golf greats like Fred McLeod, Gene Sarazen, Arnold Palmer, and Jack Nicklaus.
2. PGA Championship
At the end of May, the golf world packs up, hits the road, and arrives at the chosen course for the PGA Championship. Championship courses around the country compete for the chance to host this prestigious event hosted by the Professional Golfers' Association of America.
Although it now happens around Memorial Day weekend, the Championship was previously a Labor Day weekend institution. The switch to May occurs for the first time in 2019.
The prize purse is enormous - $11 million in 2018 - but it's the career security that draws golfers. A win this weekend bestows upon golfers automatic invites to the other majors. They can also play the PGA Championship for life if they best their competition only once.
3. U.S. Open
The U.S. Open occurs around Father's Day and also travels to a select group of courses around the U.S.
Each year, 156 plays queue up for a chance to win one of the Grand Slam titles. Four golfers have won it four times:
- Willie Anderson
- Ben Hogan
- Bob Jones
- Jack Nicklaus
It's also the tournament where Arnold Palmer once recovered from falling seven strokes behind the lead to win in 1960.
4. The Open Championship
Golfers invited to this competition make their way to the United Kingdom where they compete for a championship title at one of Britain's ten best golf courses. Yes, this is the only Grand Slam title outside the United States.
Britain's golf clubs are ancient and notoriously traditional. So "traditional" was the Royal Troon Golf Club was that it did not allow women to compete during its turn hosting the Open until 2016.
The title is a competitive one, but those who win here win often. Harry Vardon won the Claret Jug six times. Jack Nicklaus came in second seven times.
What Are Your Favorite Majors in Golf to Watch?
You may see the same players on each green, but each of the four majors in golf has its distinct character. And history tells us to watch closely because you can never guess what might happen next.
Are you hosting your own version of the majors? Attract local golfers with a trophy that rivals the Claret Cup. Get in touch today for the speediest service in Britain.
