Golf may not be the most action-packed sport out there, but it’s certainly one that requires a ton of skill and precision. When it comes to the biggest tournaments in the game—the “majors”—the competition is even more intense.
In this article, we’ll look at the top 10 golfers with the most major championship wins and see how they stack up against the competition.
From Tom Watson to Gene Sarazen, these players have left an indelible mark on the sport and will always be remembered as some of the greatest golfers of all time.
Below are the golfers with the most majors in history.
What Are ‘Majors’ In Golf?
Majors in golf are the four biggest and most prestigious tournaments in the sport. These tournaments are the cream of the crop when it comes to golf, and they are the events that every professional golfer dreams of winning.
Each major has its unique history and traditions, and they are all highly coveted titles in the world of golf. These tournaments are known for their challenging courses, high-stakes prize money, and top-tier competition. They are the ultimate test for most golf majors.
The four majors in golf are:
The Masters:
This tournament is held annually at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. “The Masters” is the first major of the year, and it’s known for its iconic green jacket that is awarded to the winner.
This tournament is a true classic and a must-see event for any golf fan. It’s also the only major played on the same course every year.
The U.S. Open:
This tournament is held annually at various courses around the United States. The U.S. Open is known for its tough courses and demanding conditions. It’s a true test of a golfer’s skills.
The British Open:
This tournament is held annually at various courses (not just St. Andrews) in Great Britain and is also known as the “Open Championship.”
It’s the oldest of the four majors, having been first played in 1860, and it has a rich history and tradition.
The PGA Championship:
This tournament is held annually at various courses around the United States and is organized by the Professional Golfers’ Association of America.
The PGA Championship is a highly sought-after title and is the only major to include club professionals who are members of the PGA Of America.
To be one of the golfers with the most majors, you must finish the tournament with the lowest score over four rounds of play (72 holes).
The winner of each major is awarded a trophy and a large cash prize, and they earn a place in golf history as one of the best players in the world. This makes them a dream worthy of achieving for most golf majors.
Top 10 Golfers With The Most Major Wins
10. Sam Snead—7 Major Wins
- Three Masters titles
- Three PGA Championships
- One British Open title
If we’re talking about golfers with the most majors, we’ve got to include Sam Snead, who is another golf legend who won seven major championships during his career.
Snead was known for his fluid swing and his incredible accuracy, and he holds the record for the most PGA Tour wins in history with 82 victories.
Snead’s most memorable major win came at the 1954 Masters, where he famously chipped in from off the green on the final hole to win the tournament.
Snead’s swing is still considered one of the best in the history of the sport, and he remains a fan favorite to this day.
9. Arnold Palmer—7 Major Wins
- Four Masters titles
- One British Open title
Arnold Palmer is perhaps the most beloved golfer of all time, with a huge following known as “Arnie’s Army.”
Palmer won seven major championships in his career, including four Masters titles and one British Open title.
He was known for his aggressive style of play and his charming personality, and he remains one of the most popular figures in the sport.
Palmer was also a pioneer in the business of golf, as he was one of the first golfers with the most majors to successfully market himself and his brand.
8. Gene Sarazen—7 Major Wins
- Three U.S. Open championships
- Three PGA Championships
- One British Open title
Gene Sarazen is one of the best golfers with the most majors, having a total of seven titles to his name.
Sarazen is known for his innovative play and his ability to come up with clutch shots when it mattered most.
Sarazen’s most memorable major win came at the 1935 Masters, where he famously hit the “shot heard round the world”—a hole-in-one on the par-3 15th hole that propelled him to victory.
Sarazen’s legacy in the game of golf is still felt today, as he is credited with popularizing the modern sand wedge and helping to bring the sport to a wider audience.
7. Tom Watson—8 Major Wins
- Five British Open titles
- Two Masters titles
Tom Watson may not be a household name for many modern golf fans, but in his heyday, he was one of the best golfers in the world.
Watson won eight major championships in his career, including five British Open titles and two Masters.
His last major win came in 1983 at the age of 33, making him one of the youngest golfers with the most majors around. Watson’s success on the course was matched only by his graciousness off of it, as he was known for his sportsmanship and his respect for the game.
6. Gary Player—9 Major Wins
- Three Masters titles
- Three British Open titles
- Three PGA Championships
Gary Player is a South African golf legend who won nine major championships during his career.
Player is known for his tireless work ethic and commitment to fitness, and he’s widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers with the most majors.
Player was the first non-American to win all four major championships. He remains the only non-American player in history to have won the Masters, the U.S. Open, the British Open, and the PGA Championship.
5. Ben Hogan—9 Major Wins
- Four U.S. Open titles
- Two Masters
- Three PGA Championships
Ben Hogan is another golf legend who won nine major championships in his career.
Hogan was known for his precise shotmaking and his mental toughness on the course, and he remains one of the most respected golfers with the most majors in the sport.
Hogan’s most memorable major victory came at the 1950 U.S. Open, where he famously shot a final round 67 to win the tournament by four strokes.
Hogan’s legacy in the game of golf is still felt today, as his swing techniques and practice routines are still studied and revered by golfers around the world.
4. Walter Hagen—11 Major Wins
- Five PGA Championships
- Four British Open titles
- Two U.S. Open championships
Walter Hagen was one of the first true superstars of golf, winning 11 major championships during his career.
Hagen was known for his flamboyant personality and his dominant play on the course, and he remains one of the most popular golfers with the most majors in history.
Hagen’s success was awe-inspiring considering the era he played in—he won his first major in 1914 and his last in 1927, a time when golf was not as popular or well-known as it is today.
Hagen was also known for his competitive spirit, as he famously said, “You’re only here for a short visit. Don’t hurry, don’t worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way.”
3. Bobby Jones—13 Major Wins
- Five U.S. Amateur titles*
- One British Amateur*
- Four U.S. Open titles
- Three British Open titles
Bobby Jones is perhaps best known for being the founder of the “Masters Tournament,” but he was also an incredibly successful golfer in his own right.
Jones won 13 major championships during his career, including five U.S.
His stats require an asterisk because, at the time he played, these tournaments were considered the majors. Bobby Jones never played professionally.
He retired from professional golf at the age of 28, but his legacy as one of the greatest golfers of all time lives on.
Jones is widely regarded as one of the greatest amateur golfers with the most majors, as he won 13 major championships while only competing as an amateur.
2. Tiger Woods—15 Major Wins
- Five Masters titles
- Four PGA Championship titles
- Three U.S. Open titles
- Three British Open titles
Tiger Woods needs no introduction—he’s perhaps the most well-known golfer in the world.
Woods has won 15 major championships in his career, including five Masters titles and four PGA Championships.
He’s known for his incredible talent and his fierce competitive spirit, and he’s widely considered to be one of the greatest golfers with the most majors.
Woods has dominated the sport like few others, winning 14 of his 15 majors by the age of 32.
His impact on the game of golf cannot be overstated, as he has helped to bring the sport to new heights of popularity and prominence.
1. Jack Nicklaus—18 Major Wins
- Six Masters titles
- Five PGA Championships
- Four U.S. Open titles
- Three British Open titles
They don’t call him the “Golden Bear” for nothing—Jack Nicklaus is one of the greatest golfers with the most majors, and his major championship haul is a testament to that.
Most majors in golf consider him to be the best player ever in the game.
Nicklaus won a staggering 18 major titles during his career, including six Masters titles and five PGA Championships.
He was known for his steady play and his ability to close out tournaments, and he remains the all-time leader in major wins to this day.
Nicklaus’s longevity on tour was also impressive, as he won his first major in 1962 and his last in 1986, a span of 24 years. It’s no wonder he’s considered one of the all-time greats.
