Golf biggest tournaments feature four major championships, each with its own unique history and significance.
This article will explore The Masters, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and the PGA Championship, highlighting their special moments and impact on the sport.
Also, we invite you to read our article highlighting The Best Golf Destinations where major golf tournaments are venturing.
Golf Biggest Tournaments
Golf has a few top-tier tournaments that are incredibly prestigious and eagerly awaited by fans worldwide.
These events not only showcase the best in golf but also bring together tradition, difficulty, and a rich history. Let’s explore these golf’s biggest tournaments, each with its own unique appeal and historical importance.
- The Masters – Biggest Tournament in Golf (Established: 1934)
The Masters Tournament, often simply referred to as “The Masters,” is a golfing spectacle like no other. Established in 1934 by golfing legend Bobby Jones and investment banker Clifford Roberts, it is held annually at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. This tournament is celebrated not only for its high level of competition but also for its breathtaking beauty. Magnolia blossoms, vibrant azaleas, and meticulously manicured fairways adorn the course.
One of the most iconic traditions of The Masters is the presentation of the coveted green jacket to the champion. This green blazer symbolizes membership in an exclusive club of winners and is worn with pride by the reigning champion until the following year’s tournament. Legends like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Tiger Woods have all made history at Augusta, adding to the allure and prestige of The Masters.
Historical Highlights:
- Tiger Woods’ 1997 victory at The Masters was historic. He won by a record-breaking 12 strokes, marking the beginning of his era of dominance in golf.
- In 1935, Gene Sarazen’s double eagle on the par-5 15th hole, known as the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World,” helped him win The Masters and popularized the tournament.
- Jack Nicklaus, known as the “Golden Bear,” became the oldest winner of The Masters in 1986 at the age of 46, securing his sixth Green Jacket in a legendary comeback.
- The U.S. Open (Established: 1895)
The U.S. Open, established in 1895, is the national championship of the United States and is organized by the United States Golf Association (USGA). What sets the U.S. Open apart is its reputation for providing some of the toughest tests in golf among the biggest golf tournaments in the world. The USGA is known for setting up courses with narrow fairways, thick rough, and lightning-fast greens to challenge even the world’s best golfers.
This championship, which rotates among various top-notch courses across the United States, has witnessed legendary moments from golfing greats like Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, and Tiger Woods. Winning the U.S. Open is considered a significant achievement due to the tournament’s demanding conditions and competitive field.
Historical Highlights:
- Johnny Miller’s final-round 63 to win the 1973 U.S. Open at Oakmont is considered one of the greatest closing rounds in major championship history.
- In 1960, a little-known Arnold Palmer drove golf to new heights when he won the U.S. Open at Cherry Hills with a thrilling final-round charge.
- Ben Hogan’s remarkable comeback in 1950, known as the “Miracle at Merion,” after a near-fatal car accident is etched in golf lore.
- The Open Championship (Established: 1860)
The Open Championship, often simply called “The Open,” holds the distinction of being the oldest and golf biggest tournament, with its roots dating back to 1860. This prestigious tournament is organized by The R&A and is traditionally played on links courses in the United Kingdom. What sets The Open apart is its unique character, with the unpredictable weather and undulating links terrain presenting a true test of a golfer’s skills and adaptability.
The Claret Jug, awarded to the champion, is one of the most recognizable trophies in the sport. The Open Championship has been graced by golfing legends like Harry Vardon, Bobby Jones, and Tom Watson, and it remains a pinnacle event that attracts top players from around the world.
Historical Highlights:
- The “Battle of Turnberry” in 1977 saw Tom Watson edge out Jack Nicklaus in a thrilling duel, regarded as one of the greatest head-to-head contests in golf history.
- Old Tom Morris, a pioneer of professional golf, won The Open Championship four times in the late 1800s, setting early standards for excellence in the sport.
- In 2009, Tom Watson, at age 59, nearly became the oldest major champion in history, narrowly missing out on victory in a playoff at The Open.
- The PGA Championship (Established: 1916)
The PGA Championship, established in 1916, is one of the four major championships in golf and is organized by the Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA of America). Unlike some of the other majors, the PGA Championship primarily features top professional golfers. It has a history of being hosted at esteemed venues like Bethpage Black, Whistling Straits, and Kiawah Island.
This major championship has consistently showcased the world’s best talent, and its winners join the ranks of golfing legends. It offers a blend of traditional golfing excellence and modern competition, making it a must-watch event for golf enthusiasts worldwide.
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Historical Highlights:
- In 1991, John Daly, a relatively unknown golfer, won the PGA Championship as the ninth alternate, making it one of the most unlikely victories in major championship history.
- At the 1970 PGA Championship, Jack Nicklaus completed the career Grand Slam, becoming the youngest player to achieve this feat at the time.
- Tiger Woods’ victory at the 2000 PGA Championship, where he triumphed by a staggering 15 strokes, is widely regarded as one of the most dominant performances in golf history.
⛳ Which is the biggest tournament in golf?
The Masters. The Masters, one of golf’s four major tournaments, is widely recognized as the most prestigious golf tournament in the world by both players and fans.
⛳ How many golf major tournaments are there?
The PGA has 4 Major Golf Tournament events during the season: The Masters Tournament, The U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and The PGA Championship.
⛳ Who has all 4 majors?
Only five golfers have won all 4 major golf tournaments at any time during their careers, an achievement which is often referred to as a Career Grand Slam: Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods. Woods and Nicklaus have won each of the four majors a
⛳ How does the prize money for biggest golf tournament compare to other golf events?
Golf championships typically offer significantly higher prize money than regular tour events, with millions of dollars at stake for the winners.
⛳ How are golfers selected to participate in major tournaments like The Masters and The Open Championship?
Golfers typically qualify for major tournaments through various criteria, including world rankings, previous major wins, regional and sectional qualifiers, and exemptions provided by tournament organizers.
Conclusion
These golf biggest tournaments are not just sporting events; they are an integral part of golf’s history and heritage.
They capture the essence of the sport, testing the skills, nerves, and determination of the world’s best golfers.