What are the Four PGA Major Golf Tournaments? [Infographic]

What are the Four PGA Major Golf Tournaments? [Infographic]

Four Major Golf Tournaments

The PGA has four Major Golf Tournament events that take place during the season — The Masters Tournament, The U.S. Open, The Open Championship and The PGA Championship.

The majors can make or break a player’s career. Each one holds an enormous amount of prestige, history and money that the other PGA Tour events don’t have. Win one of these four tournaments and you could be set for life as a pro golfer.

PGA Major Golf Tournaments

The Masters

First played in 1934, The Masters stands as one of the four major championships in professional golf. However, it’s not just the age that gives The Masters its mystique but the narratives that have been woven into its fabric. From Gene Sarazen’s “Shot Heard Round the World” in 1935 to Tiger Woods’ history-making win in 1997 and his incredible comeback victory in 2019, every corner of Augusta whispers stories of triumphs, heartbreaks, and miracles.

Tradition Redefined

From the blooming azaleas to the ceremonial opening tee shots taken by legends of the game, tradition is the heart and soul of The Masters. The event doesn’t simply rest on its laurels; it redefines them. One such tradition is the Champions Dinner, where past winners gather to dine and decide the menu for the evening, symbolizing the timeless bond shared among the elite club of champions.

The Iconic Green Jacket

More than just a piece of clothing, the Green Jacket is a symbol of golfing greatness. Awarded to the champion each year, the jacket remains at Augusta National, with winners allowed to take it home only for the year following their victory. It represents not just a win but an entry into a prestigious group of golfing legends.

A Test of Skill and Spirit

The Masters isn’t just about skill; it’s about character. Amen Corner, the famed stretch from the 11th to the 13th hole, has dashed many dreams with its treacherous winds and water hazards. But it’s also where heroes rise, crafting shots that become the stuff of legend. At Augusta, every swing can lead to ecstasy or agony, making it one of the most emotionally charged tournaments in the sport.

Inclusion and Growth

Over the years, Augusta National has seen changes that mirror the evolving landscape of golf. From inviting its first Black member to the inclusion of women members and the introduction of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship, The Masters is steadily breaking barriers, promoting inclusion, and celebrating the growth of the game.

The Masters is more than a tournament; it’s a celebration of golf in its purest form. It bridges the past and the present, honors the legends and gives rise to new champions. When the final putt drops on the 18th green and the newest champion dons the Green Jacket, we’re reminded that The Masters is not just about history – it’s about making it.

US Open

n professional golf, few tournaments like the U.S. Open captivate the heart and challenge the soul. Held annually since 1895, the championship stands as a testament to the relentless pursuit of greatness. As one of the four major championships, it represents the essence of American golfing prowess.

Historical Glimpse

Originating at the Newport Country Club in Rhode Island, the U.S. Open has come a long way from its modest beginnings. With a lineage spanning over a century, it’s seen the transformation of legends from hopeful contenders to immortal champions. Players like Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods have etched their names in U.S. Open lore, showcasing their mastery amidst fierce competition.

A Unique Test

What sets the U.S. Open apart is its relentless demand for precision, patience, and perseverance. The United States Golf Association (USGA) meticulously sets up the course each year to test every facet of a golfer’s skill set. Thick roughs, narrow fairways, and lightning-fast greens are hallmarks of the championship, ensuring that only the most well-rounded players rise to the top.

Rotating Venues

Unlike majors with fixed venues, the U.S. Open travels across America’s iconic golf courses. From the coastal cliffs of Pebble Beach to the historic layout of Pinehurst No. 2, each course offers a distinct challenge, bringing out a varied palette of strategies and stirring up fresh excitement year after year.

Breakthrough Moments

The U.S. Open has been a theater of dreams for many underdogs. Who can forget Francis Ouimet’s unbelievable victory in 1913, defeating British titans as a 20-year-old amateur? Or Payne Stewart’s poignant and triumphant putt on the 18th at Pinehurst in 1999? These moments are ingrained in the ethos of the championship, showcasing that brilliance can shine in the face of adversity.

A True Open

Living up to its name, the U.S. Open is genuinely “open.” Through rigorous local and sectional qualifying rounds, any amateur or professional golfer has a shot at glory. This democratic approach gives rise to heartwarming stories of unknown players getting their moment in the limelight.

The U.S. Open is a blend of rich traditions, fierce challenges, and enduring legacies. It’s where legends are solidified, dreams are realized, and the spirit of golf is celebrated in its rawest form. When the final round concludes, and the winner raises the coveted trophy, it’s a moment that encapsulates the pursuit of excellence – a journey that epitomizes the very heart of American golf.

Open Championship

Beyond the roaring waves and windswept dunes lies a stage set for golf’s oldest major – The Open Championship. Known colloquially as the British Open, this tournament stands as a beacon of tradition, tenacity, and timeless competition.

Historical Dive

The roots of The Open trace back to 1860, held at Prestwick Golf Club in Scotland. From then, it has evolved into a championship admired across the world. Its storied past has seen legends like Harry Vardon, Bobby Jones, and more recent champions like Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods, grace its greens and forge their legacies.

Links Golf at its Finest

The Open is synonymous with links golf – courses built on sandy coastlines, wedged between land and sea. These courses, shaped by nature’s hand, feature undulating fairways, deep bunkers, and unpredictable winds. It’s a style of play that demands creativity, adaptability, and a deep respect for the game’s roots.

A Rota of Iconic Courses

Unlike fixed venue tournaments, The Open rotates among a select group of courses, each steeped in history and character. From the Old Course at St. Andrews, considered the “Home of Golf”, to the challenging fairways of Carnoustie and the picturesque Royal Portrush, each course offers a unique test to the world’s best.

The Claret Jug

Few trophies in sport hold the allure of the Claret Jug. Officially known as the Golf Champion Trophy, this iconic award has been held aloft by the greats of the game. More than just a piece of silverware, it symbolizes the culmination of grit, determination, and skill over four intense days of competition.

Weathering the Storm

One of The Open’s defining features is its unpredictable weather. Players often face a gamut of conditions in a single round, from sudden downpours to gusting winds. Strategy and patience play pivotal roles here, turning each shot into a potential masterpiece or mishap.

An Open for All

True to its name, The Open is open to qualifying professionals and amateurs alike. This inclusivity has given rise to fairy-tale stories of unknowns rubbing shoulders with giants, adding a unique flavor to the championship’s tapestry.

The Open Championship is more than just a tournament; it’s a journey through golf’s rich history, set against nature’s dramatic canvas. Every year, as players navigate through age-old courses and battle the elements, they’re not just playing for the title; they’re vying for a place in the annals of golfing greatness. When the last putt drops and the Claret Jug finds its next holder, it’s a moment that transcends time, linking past legends with present heroes in the eternal dance of golf.

PGA Championship

When the golfing world turns its gaze towards the PGA Championship, it knows to expect a fierce contest of skill, strategy, and spirit. As one of the four grand slams in golf, the PGA Championship consistently serves up a thrilling feast of golfing prowess, moments of magic, and tales of triumph.

A Historical Perspective

The inception of the PGA Championship dates to 1916, hosted at Siwanoy Country Club in New York. Initially designed as a match play format, it transitioned to stroke play in 1958, adding a fresh layer of competitive dynamism. Over the decades, legends like Walter Hagen, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods have graced its courses, each leaving an indelible mark on the championship’s rich tapestry.

Diverse Course Selection

The PGA Championship stands out because of its rotating venue system, which showcases a diverse array of America’s finest courses. From the coastal challenges of Kiawah Island to the historic links of Oakland Hills, each year offers a distinct backdrop that tests every facet of a player’s game.

Glory’s Last Shot

Traditionally positioned as the season’s final major, the PGA Championship often carries the moniker “Glory’s Last Shot”. It’s the final opportunity of the year for players to etch their names into major championship history, ratcheting up the stakes and the drama.

Strength in Field

The PGA Championship boasts one of the strongest fields in professional golf. Drawing in the top talents from around the globe, it offers a true test of a player’s mettle against the world’s best. This elite competition ensures that every champion has truly earned their place among golf’s greats.

Wanamaker Trophy

The victor of the PGA Championship is awarded the illustrious Wanamaker Trophy, a symbol of excellence and perseverance. It’s a tangible testament to the grit and greatness exhibited over four grueling days of competition.

Championing the Professionals

Born from the Professional Golfers’ Association of America, the PGA Championship holds a special place in the hearts of professionals. It’s a celebration of their dedication to the game, providing an annual stage where club professionals can compete side by side with touring pros, epitomizing the essence of the sport.

The PGA Championship is not just a tournament; it’s a vibrant chapter in the ever-evolving story of golf. With every drive, chip, and putt, players are not just vying for a title but weaving their narrative into a century-old legacy. As fans around the world tune in to witness golfing history unfold, the PGA Championship reaffirms its position as a beacon of excellence, inspiration, and unparalleled excitement in professional golf.

Want more tips or information? If you want to take your game to the next level, contact our team at Keiser University’s College of Golf & Sport Management today. With our dedication and experience, together, we can elevate your game to new heights. Give us a call today at 888-355-4465.