Every passionate golf fan has heard about 'the majors.' Yet, many casual followers still wonder: what are the majors in golf, and what makes them so special? In this article, we’ll break down the four major championships, explore their history, and share why these events represent the pinnacle of the sport.

What Are the Majors in Golf?

The phrase ‘majors in golf’ refers to the four most important annual tournaments in men’s professional golf. These events attract the world’s best players and offer the richest rewards, both in prestige and prize money. The four majors are:

1. The Masters Tournament
2. PGA Championship
3. U.S. Open
4. The Open Championship (sometimes called The British Open)

Each major carries its own traditions, unique course, and global audience. Winning even one major marks a golfer’s career. Achieving multiple major victories puts golfers in legendary company.

Breakdown of the Four Golf Majors

The Masters Tournament is held annually in April at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. With its lush fairways and iconic green jacket, the Masters is known for its rich traditions and dramatic finishes.

The PGA Championship is next, usually played in May, with the location changing each year. This tournament challenges players with demanding courses and is notable for producing first-time major winners. Scottie Scheffler recently captured his first PGA Championship, adding to his growing legacy. You can read more about his historic win in this detailed CNN article about Scottie Scheffler’s first PGA Championship victory.

The U.S. Open is played in June and is known for its notoriously tough courses. The event’s rotating locations keep players guessing, and its final round is often scheduled on Father’s Day.

The Open Championship, commonly called The British Open, is staged in July on coastal courses throughout the United Kingdom. With its windswept links courses, The Open is the oldest of the majors and often the most unpredictable.

For a more detailed look at these tournaments, check out Yahoo Sports' overview of the four major golf tournaments.

Why Do the Majors Matter?

Major championships are the ultimate test of a golfer’s skill, resilience, and ability to handle pressure. Only six male golfers have won all four majors, a feat known as the career Grand Slam. Great players like Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Ben Hogan have built their reputations on major victories.

Success in the majors also elevates a golfer’s status among peers and fans. For example, modern stars like Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka are defined by their major championship wins. Even among today’s players, chasing major titles remains the most important measure of greatness.

To see how top golfers stack up in major wins, explore the list of most majors in golf history. For a record of recent champions, review Scottie Scheffler's full PGA Tour wins on NBC Sports.

The Legacy of the Majors

Winning one of golf’s four majors cements a player among the sport's elite. Multiple victories create lasting legacies. Golf fans remember champions not just for how often they win, but where and when those wins happen.

So, next time you watch a tournament, you'll know exactly what are the majors in golf and why they matter so much. In the world of golf, these events are where history is made and legends are born.