The Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) hosts five major championships each year, which are considered the most prestigious events in professional golf. These tournaments attract the best players from around the world, and winning one of these titles is the ultimate goal for many golfers. The five PGA majors are the Masters Tournament, the U.S. Open, the British Open, the PGA Championship, and the Players Championship. Each tournament has its own unique history, tradition, and challenges, making them a must-see for any golf fan. So, let’s dive into the world of PGA majors and discover what makes these tournaments so special.

Overview of the PGA Tour

The PGA Tour and its significance in golf

The PGA Tour is a professional golf tour in the United States that was founded in 1929. It is recognized as the premier golf tour in the world, and it is home to some of the most prestigious and highly-anticipated golf tournaments in the sport.

The structure of the PGA Tour consists of various levels of events, including the four major championships, which are considered the pinnacle of achievement in professional golf. In addition to the majors, the PGA Tour also includes regular season events, playoffs, and the FedEx Cup playoffs.

The importance of the PGA Tour in golf cannot be overstated. It is the primary pathway for golfers to gain access to the highest level of professional golf, and it is also the primary source of income for many golfers. The PGA Tour is responsible for generating billions of dollars in revenue each year, and it is also responsible for promoting the sport of golf and showcasing the world’s top golfers to a global audience.

Overall, the PGA Tour is a critical component of the sport of golf, and it plays a significant role in shaping the careers of professional golfers and promoting the sport to a wider audience.

The 5 PGA Majors

The PGA Tour is a professional golf tour in the United States and North America, which attracts the best golfers from around the world. The tour consists of a series of tournaments, with the five major championships being the most prestigious events. These majors are known for their high level of competition, historical significance, and lucrative prize money. Here are the five PGA Majors:

1. The Masters Tournament
   The Masters Tournament, also known as the U.S. Masters or simply the Masters, is the first major of the year and is held at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. It is known for its iconic azalea and magnolia flowers, as well as its challenging course that requires precision and strategy. The tournament is held in April and is four days long, with the final round being broadcast on a Sunday.
2. The US Open
   The US Open is the second major of the year and is held in June. It rotates between several golf courses around the United States and is the only major that is not hosted by a specific club or organization. The US Open is known for its difficult course setups, with long rough and tight fairways, and its unpredictable weather conditions.
3. The Open Championship
   The Open Championship, also known as the British Open, is the third major of the year and is held in July. It is held at several golf courses in the United Kingdom and is the oldest major championship in golf. The Open Championship is known for its links-style courses, which are characterized by their undulating fairways, pot bunkers, and challenging wind conditions.
4. The PGA Championship
   The PGA Championship is the fourth major of the year and is held in May or August. It is hosted by several golf courses around the United States and is known for its challenging course setups and high level of competition. The PGA Championship is also known for its unique format, which includes a two-day qualifying round and a four-day tournament.
5. The Players Championship
   The Players Championship is the fifth major of the year and is held in March. It is hosted by the TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, and is known for its challenging course, which includes the famous 17th hole island green. The Players Championship is also known for its high level of prize money and its invitation-only field, which includes the top golfers from around the world.

The Masters Tournament

Brief history of The Masters Tournament

• Founding of The Masters Tournament

The Masters Tournament, also known as The Masters, was founded by Clifford Roberts and Bobby Jones in 1934. Jones, a renowned amateur golfer who won the Grand Slam in 1930, envisioned a tournament that would bring together the best golfers in the world to compete in a prestigious event. He partnered with Roberts, a successful businessman and avid golfer, to make this vision a reality.

• The tournament’s evolution over the years

Since its inception, The Masters Tournament has undergone several changes and evolutions. In the early years, the tournament was held in October and played over three days. It was not until 1945 that the tournament was moved to April and extended to four days. The field size has also grown over the years, from 1934’s inaugural 70 players to the current 120-player field.

• Significant moments in The Masters Tournament history

Throughout its history, The Masters Tournament has witnessed numerous significant moments. One of the most memorable moments was when Ben Hogan famously finished his round with a one-iron shot that landed just a few feet from the hole, despite having been seriously injured in a car accident a few months prior. Another memorable moment was Jack Nicklaus’s “Miracle at Augusta” in 1986, when he overcame a six-stroke deficit on the final day to win his sixth Masters title.

In 1997, Tiger Woods became the youngest player to win The Masters at the age of 21, cementing his place as a golfing prodigy. In 2019, Patrick Reed’s victory was mired in controversy, with some questioning his decision to use a tournament-issued golf ball during a rain delay, leading to accusations of cheating. These are just a few examples of the many significant moments that have occurred at The Masters Tournament over the years.

The course and its challenges

Augusta National Golf Club

• Established in 1933 by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts
• Located in Augusta, Georgia, USA
• Host of the Masters Tournament since 1934
• 18-hole, par-72 course, measuring 7,457 yards (6,835 meters)
• Features a unique blend of rolling terrain, water hazards, and tree-lined fairways

Course design and layout

• Designed by Donald Ross and later redesigned by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts
• Known for its strategic and challenging design
• Each hole is distinct, with unique features and challenges
• Fairways are relatively narrow, encouraging precise shot-making
• Greens are large and undulating, with challenging pin positions

Signature holes and challenges

• 12th hole, Par 3: “Golden Bell”
  • Distance: 155 yards (142 meters)
  • Elevated tee shot over Rae’s Creek to a small, sloping green
  • Home of the famous “Golden Bell” ceremony, where a bell is rung after a hole-in-one
• 13th hole, Par 5: “Masters”
  • Distance: 510 yards (465 meters)
  • Dogleg left with a creek running along the entire length of the hole
  • Strategically placed bunkers and a small, elevated green add to the challenge
• 16th hole, Par 3: “Hippo”
  • Distance: 170 yards (155 meters)
  • Over a pond to a small, sloping green
  • Named “Hippo” due to the resemblance of the green’s shape to a hippopotamus
• 18th hole, Par 4: “Championship”
  • Distance: 435 yards (400 meters)
  • Requires a straight, powerful drive and a precise approach to a well-guarded green
  • Home to the iconic “Masters” signboard, where champions are immortalized

Notable winners and their achievements

• Jack Nicklaus
  • Won the Masters Tournament six times, more than any other player.
  • His record-breaking victory in 1986 at the age of 46 established him as the oldest winner of a major championship.
  • Nicknamed “The Golden Bear” for his golden color hair and his record of winning 18 major championships.
• Tiger Woods
  • Won the Masters Tournament four times, tied for second-most all-time.
  • Set the record for the lowest score ever recorded in a Masters Tournament with a 18-under-par 270 in 1997.
  • Won back-to-back Masters Tournaments in 2001 and 2002, and again in 2019, becoming the second player to achieve this feat after Nicklaus.
• Phil Mickelson
  • Won the Masters Tournament three times, including a record-breaking performance in 2006 when he became the first player to shoot a 268 (-16) in the final round to win by three strokes.
  • Known for his aggressive approach to the game, Mickelson has been a fan favorite for his bold and innovative shot-making.
• Other notable winners
  • Arnold Palmer won the Masters Tournament four times, and his victory in 1960 was the first of six major championships he would go on to win in his career.
  • Gary Player won the Masters Tournament three times, and his victory in 1965 marked the first time a player from outside the United States had won a major championship.
  • Sam Snead won the Masters Tournament three times, and his victory in 1952 was the first of his seven major championships.

US Open

Brief history of the US Open

Founding of the US Open

The US Open was first held in 1895 at the Chicago Golf Club in Illinois. It was founded by a group of nine golfers who wanted to establish a national championship for golfers in the United States. The tournament was initially called the “U.S. Open Championship” and was open to professional and amateur golfers.

The tournament’s evolution over the years

Over the years, the US Open has undergone several changes in terms of its format, venue, and rules. In the early years, the tournament was held over two days, but it was later extended to three days. In 1901, the tournament was moved to a new venue, the Baltusrol Golf Club in New Jersey, where it has been held every ten years since. In 1904, the USGA introduced a new rule that required players to play the tournament’s final holes in reverse order, based on their scores. This rule was designed to create a more exciting finish to the tournament.

Significant moments in US Open history

The US Open has witnessed many significant moments over the years. One of the most memorable moments came in 1913 when Francis Ouimet, an amateur golfer, defeated two of the world’s best golfers, Harry Vardon and Ted Ray, to win the tournament. This victory was seen as a turning point in golf history, as it marked the first time that an amateur had won a major tournament. In 1935, Ben Hogan became the first player to win the US Open using a new type of golf club, the “Hogan Snake Eyes.” In 1960, Arnold Palmer won the tournament in a playoff against Jack Nicklaus and Billy Casper, marking the beginning of a new era in golf. In 1986, Curtis Strange became the first player to win the US Open back-to-back since Willie Anderson in 1905.

Various US Open host courses

The US Open is held at different golf courses across the United States, each presenting its unique set of challenges to the players. Some of the notable US Open host courses include Pebble Beach, Bethpage Black, Shinnecock Hills, and Oakmont Country Club.

The US Open courses are designed to test the skills of the world’s best golfers. They typically feature narrow fairways, thick rough, and small, undulating greens that are difficult to hit and hold. The courses also often have strategically placed bunkers and water hazards that can affect players’ shots.

Each US Open host course has its signature holes that are known for their difficulty and challenge. For example, Pebble Beach’s 18th hole features a cliff-side green that overlooks the Pacific Ocean, while Bethpage Black’s 16th hole is a long par-3 with a green that is completely surrounded by sand traps.

Other notable challenges at US Open courses include Shinnecock Hills’ 16th hole, which has a steep slope on the green that can make it difficult to hold the ball, and Oakmont Country Club’s 17th hole, which features a long, narrow green that is guarded by a deep bunker.

Overall, the US Open courses are designed to test all aspects of a golfer’s game, from driving to putting, and provide a true test of skill and endurance for the players.

• Willie Anderson: With 4 US Open victories, Anderson is considered one of the most successful golfers in the history of the tournament. His last win came in 1905, but he remained a prominent figure in the sport until his death in 1910.
• Bobby Jones: Jones won the US Open 3 times and is remembered for his impressive feat of winning all 4 major championships in a single calendar year in 1930. He also designed the Augusta National Golf Club, home of the Masters Tournament.
• Ben Hogan: Hogan won the US Open 9 times, including 3 consecutive wins from 1948 to 1950. He is known for his remarkable comeback after a near-fatal car accident in 1949, which left him with a severe leg injury.
• Tiger Woods: Woods is one of the most successful golfers in the history of the US Open, having won the tournament 3 times. His first win came in 1999, and he went on to dominate the sport for more than a decade, earning him the title of the world’s best golfer.

The Open Championship

Brief history of The Open Championship

• Founding of The Open Championship

The Open Championship, also known as the British Open, is the oldest of the four major championships in professional golf. It was first played in 1860 at the Prestwick Golf Club in Scotland, and since then, it has been held annually, except for during the two World Wars. The tournament was originally open only to professionals, but in 1973, it became open to amateurs as well.

Over the years, The Open Championship has undergone several changes, including changes to the format, the size of the field, and the location of the tournament. In the early years, the tournament was played over two days, but in 1870, it was extended to three days. In 1966, the tournament was lengthened to four days, and in 1985, it was extended to five days. In terms of the field size, the tournament started with just eight players, but it has grown to include a field of 156 players. The location of the tournament has also changed several times, with courses in Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland having hosted the event.

• Significant moments in The Open Championship history

There have been many significant moments in the history of The Open Championship, including the first hole-in-one in a major championship, which was scored by Tom Morris Sr. in 1861. Another notable moment was when Bobby Jones became the first player to win all four major championships in a calendar year in 1930. In 1966, Jack Nicklaus became the first player to win the tournament in a playoff, and in 1977, Tom Watson became the first player to win the tournament after trailing going into the final round. In recent years, there have been many memorable moments, including Tiger Woods’ historic victory in 2000, and Padraig Harrington’s back-to-back wins in 2007 and 2008.

The Open Championship, often referred to as the British Open, is the oldest of the four major championships in professional golf. It is held annually in the United Kingdom, usually in July. The tournament is played on a variety of courses, each presenting its own set of challenges for the world’s top golfers.

Various Open Championship host courses

The Open Championship is hosted by a different course each year, with the exception of a few courses that have hosted the tournament multiple times. Some of the most famous courses that have hosted the Open Championship include St. Andrews, Muirfield, and Royal Troon. Each course has its own unique layout and challenges, making the tournament exciting for both players and spectators.

Course design and layout

The course design and layout of the Open Championship host courses can vary greatly. Some courses are links courses, which are characterized by their rolling hills, rugged terrain, and deep pot bunkers. Other courses are parkland courses, which are typically more manicured and feature dense tree lines and strategically placed hazards. The layout of the course can have a significant impact on the difficulty of the tournament, as well as the strategies employed by the players.

Signature holes and challenges

Each Open Championship host course has its own signature holes and challenges that can make or break a player’s chances of winning the tournament. For example, the 18th hole at St. Andrews is known for its iconic double greens, which can be tricky to navigate. The 12th hole at Muirfield is a long par-3 that plays over a steep slope, requiring players to hit a precise shot to avoid falling into the deep bunker protecting the green. These signature holes and challenges are what make the Open Championship such a thrilling and prestigious tournament in the world of golf.

• Old Tom Morris: Old Tom Morris was a Scottish professional golfer who won the Open Championship four times between 1861 and 1872. He is considered one of the greatest golfers of all time and is credited with popularizing the sport in Scotland.
• Harry Vardon: Harry Vardon was a British professional golfer who won the Open Championship six times between 1896 and 1914. He is known for his innovative golf swing and his influence on the development of the modern golf game.
• Bobby Jones: Bobby Jones was an American amateur golfer who won the Open Championship three times between 1926 and 1930. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time and is known for his legendary Grand Slam in 1930, when he won all four major championships in a single season.
• Nick Faldo: Nick Faldo is a British professional golfer who won the Open Championship three times between 1989 and 1992. He is known for his exceptional course management skills and his ability to perform under pressure, which helped him become one of the most successful golfers of his era.

PGA Championship

Brief history of the PGA Championship

The PGA Championship, one of the four major championships in professional golf, has a rich and storied history dating back to its founding in 1916. The tournament was initially known as the “PGA National Championship” and was held at the Siwanoy Country Club in Rye, New York.

In its early years, the PGA Championship was a 36-hole stroke play event that was contested between 32 players who qualified through their performance in sectional qualifying tournaments. The first winner of the tournament was the legendary golfer, Jim Barnes, who won the event with a score of 281.

Over the years, the tournament has undergone several changes, including a switch to a match play format in the 1920s, and the introduction of a two-man team event in the 1940s. In 1958, the tournament was expanded to include a full field of 144 players, and in 1960, it became the first major championship to be televised.

The PGA Championship has witnessed many significant moments in its history, including the “Duel in the Sun” between Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson in 1940, where Hogan won in a playoff, and the legendary “War by the Shore” in 1991, where Nick Price defeated David Frost in a playoff to win the tournament.

Today, the PGA Championship is one of the most prestigious events in golf, attracting the world’s top players and boasting a purse of over $10 million.

Various PGA Championship host courses

The PGA Championship is held at different courses each year, with the aim of showcasing the best golf courses in the United States. Some of the most notable courses that have hosted the PGA Championship include Baltusrol Golf Club, Valhalla Golf Club, and Oak Hill Country Club. Each course has its own unique design and challenges, making it a test of skill and strategy for the world’s top golfers.

The course design and layout of the PGA Championship host courses vary greatly, but they all share one common characteristic: they are challenging. Many of the courses are designed with narrow fairways and strategically placed hazards, forcing golfers to be precise with their shots. Additionally, the courses often feature undulating greens and complex green complexes, making it difficult to get the ball close to the hole.

The PGA Championship host courses each have their own signature holes and challenges that have become iconic in the world of golf. For example, the 16th hole at TPC Sawgrass features an island green that has been the site of many dramatic moments in golf history. Other courses have signature holes that offer breathtaking views or present unique challenges, such as the 18th hole at Oakmont Country Club, which is known for its steep slipperymountain slope on the approach to the green.

Overall, the courses that host the PGA Championship are some of the most challenging and well-designed courses in the world, making it a true test of golfing skill and ability.

Walter Hagen

• 1924 PGA Championship winner
• 1927 PGA Championship winner
• First player to win the PGA Championship four times
• Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974

Ben Hogan

• 1948 PGA Championship winner
• 1950 PGA Championship winner
• Won two U.S. Opens and a British Open
• Considered one of the greatest ball-strikers in golf history

Jack Nicklaus

• 1963 PGA Championship winner
• 1975 PGA Championship winner
• Won a record 18 professional majors
• Golden Bear of golf and a global ambassador for the sport

Tiger Woods

• 1999 PGA Championship winner
• 2000 PGA Championship winner
• Won a record-tying five PGA Championships
• Ranked as the all-time No. 1 golfer in the world by many experts and publications

The Players Championship

Brief history of The Players Championship

Founding of The Players Championship

The Players Championship, often referred to as the “Fifth Major,” was founded in 1974 by the PGA Tour and a group of 12 golf course designers, including legendary architect Pete Dye. The inaugural event was held at the TPC at Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, which has served as the tournament’s permanent home since its inception. The idea behind the tournament was to create an event that would showcase the world’s top golfers competing on a challenging, innovative course design.

Over the years, The Players Championship has continued to evolve and expand. The field size has increased from 64 players in 1974 to 144 players today, making it one of the largest fields in professional golf. The purse has also grown significantly, with the winner’s share increasing from $125,000 in 1974 to $2.7 million in 2021. The course itself has undergone several changes, with Dye and his team making modifications to the layout to keep up with the latest trends in golf course design.

Significant moments in The Players Championship history

The Players Championship has been the site of many memorable moments in golf history. In 1987, Greg Norman famously hit a 205-yard shot out of a hazard and onto the green at the par-5 16th hole, which would later become known as “The Shot.” Tiger Woods won the tournament in 2001 by a record margin of 11 strokes, and he also famously holed out a bunker shot on the 18th hole in 2000 to force a playoff, which he went on to win. In 2019, Rory McIlroy set the tournament record with a 64 in the third round, en route to finishing as the runner-up. These are just a few examples of the many thrilling moments that have taken place at The Players Championship over the years.

TPC Sawgrass

The Players Championship is held at the TPC Sawgrass, which is located in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. The course was designed by Pete Dye and first opened in 1980. It has since become one of the most famous golf courses in the world, known for its challenging layout and iconic 17th hole.

The TPC Sawgrass is a par-72 course that spans 7,189 yards. It features a unique design that incorporates both traditional and modern elements, with wide fairways and strategically placed hazards. The course also features several doglegs, which require players to make careful decisions off the tee.

One of the most distinctive features of the TPC Sawgrass is its use of elevation changes. The course is built on a site that slopes downward from the 16th hole to the 17th hole, creating a dramatic drop in elevation that affects the playability of several holes.

The TPC Sawgrass is home to several signature holes that have become famous around the world. One of the most famous is the 17th hole, which is a par-3 that spans 162 yards. The hole features an island green that is surrounded by water, making it one of the most challenging and iconic holes in golf.

Another challenging hole at the TPC Sawgrass is the 18th hole, which is a par-5 that spans 678 yards. The hole features a narrow fairway that is lined with trees on both sides, making it difficult to reach the green in two shots. The hole also features a large bunker that protects the front of the green, making it difficult to get up and down from the sand.

Overall, the TPC Sawgrass is a challenging course that requires players to be strategic and make careful decisions off the tee. Its unique design and iconic holes have made it one of the most famous golf courses in the world, and it is a must-visit destination for any serious golfer.

• Fred Couples
  • Won the tournament in 1996
  • Shot a record-low 268 for 72 holes
  • Earned a spot in the World Golf Hall of Fame
  • Won the tournament a record-tying 8 times
  • Earned over $20 million in career earnings from this event alone
  • Held the lead after every round in 1997, and won by a record 12 strokes
  • Won the tournament in 2007
  • Held off a charge from Henrik Stenson to win by one stroke
  • Became the first left-handed golfer to win the tournament
  • Greg Norman (1994)
  • Tom Kite (1989)
  • David Duval (1997)
  • Jack Nicklaus (1974)
  • Arnold Palmer (1974)
  • Sam Snead (1952)
  • Billy Casper (1970)
  • Ben Crenshaw (1984)
  • Tom Watson (1982)
  • Hale Irwin (1971)
  • Nick Faldo (1987)
  • Freddie Couples (1992)
  • Steve Elkington (1991)
  • Craig Stadler (1982)
  • Curtis Strange (1989)
  • Johnny Miller (1976)
  • Mark O’Meara (1995)
  • Hal Sutton (1983)
  • Nick Price (1992)
  • Vijay Singh (2001)
  • Retief Goosen (2004)
  • Jim Furyk (2006)
  • Padraig Harrington (2007)
  • Henrik Stenson (2009)
  • Justin Rose (2010)
  • Bubba Watson (2012)
  • Keegan Bradley (2012)
  • Martin Kaymer (2014)
  • Rickie Fowler (2015)
  • Jason Day (2016)
  • Jimmy Walker (2016)
  • Webb Simpson (2018)
  • Patrick Cantlay (2019)
  • Rory McIlroy (2019)
  • Tony Finau (2021)
  • Justin Thomas (2021)
  • Xander Schauffele (2021)
  • Scottie Scheffler (2022)
  • Patrick Reed (2022)
  • Jon Rahm (2022)

FAQs

1. What are the 5 PGA majors?

The 5 PGA majors are the most prestigious tournaments in professional golf. They are the Masters Tournament, the U.S. Open, the British Open, the PGA Championship, and the Players Championship. These tournaments are considered the pinnacle of achievement in the sport of golf and are highly coveted by professional golfers around the world.

2. When and where are the PGA majors held?

The PGA majors are held throughout the year, with the Masters Tournament typically taking place in April at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. The U.S. Open is held in June at various courses around the United States. The British Open is held in July at courses in the United Kingdom. The PGA Championship is held in May and August at various courses in the United States. The Players Championship is held in March at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

3. Who can participate in the PGA majors?

The PGA majors are open to professional golfers who have qualified through various means, such as winning a PGA Tour event or meeting certain performance criteria. Amateur golfers may also qualify to play in certain majors through various exemptions and qualifying tournaments.

4. What is the history of the PGA majors?

The PGA majors have a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. The Masters Tournament was first held in 1934, followed by the U.S. Open in 1895, the British Open in 1860, and the PGA Championship in 1916. The Players Championship was first held in 1974 and has since become one of the most prestigious events on the PGA Tour.

5. How are the winners of the PGA majors determined?

The winners of the PGA majors are determined through a combination of stroke play and match play. In stroke play, golfers compete against the course and the lowest score wins. In match play, golfers compete against each other in a head-to-head format, with the winner being the player who holed the final putt. The specific format for each major can vary, but the overall goal is to determine the best golfer in the field over the course of the tournament.

What are the 5 majors in golf?