Who Has Won the Most Major Golf Championships?

By Sarah Miller · November 28, 2026

Jack Nicklaus holds the record for the most major golf championships won in history, with 18 victories across the Masters, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and PGA Championship. This total surpasses all other players, including modern greats like Tiger Woods and historical legends such as Walter Hagen and Ben Hogan. Nicklaus achieved his majors over a span of 24 years, showcasing unmatched longevity and dominance in the sport. His combination of consistency, mental toughness, and peak performance under pressure solidified his legacy as the greatest major champion in golf history.

The Greatest Major Champion: Jack Nicklaus

Jack Nicklaus, often referred to as "The Golden Bear," is widely regarded as the most successful golfer in major championship history. His 18 major titles are a benchmark in professional golf, a standard against which all other players are measured. Nicklaus turned professional in 1962 and claimed his first major at the 1962 U.S. Open, defeating Arnold Palmer in a dramatic playoff. Over the next two decades, he dominated the sport with remarkable consistency.

Breakdown of Nicklaus' Major Wins

Masters Tournament: 6 wins (1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975, 1986)
U.S. Open: 4 wins (1962, 1967, 1972, 1980)
The Open Championship: 3 wins (1966, 1970, 1978)
PGA Championship: 5 wins (1963, 1971, 1973, 1975, 1980)

His final major victory came at the 1986 Masters, when at age 46, he became the oldest winner in tournament history—a feat that still stands today. This win exemplified his enduring skill and competitive spirit.

Tiger Woods: The Modern Contender

Tiger Woods is the closest active player to Nicklaus’ record, with 15 major championships as of 2025. Since turning professional in 1996, Woods has redefined excellence in golf through explosive power, precision, and mental resilience. His peak period between 1997 and 2008 saw him win 14 majors, including the "Tiger Slam" from 2000–2001, where he held all four major titles simultaneously (though not in the same calendar year).

Woods' Major Victories by Event

Masters: 5 wins (1997, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2019)
U.S. Open: 3 wins (2000, 2002, 2008)
The Open Championship: 3 wins (2000, 2005, 2006)
PGA Championship: 4 wins (1999, 2000, 2006, 2007)

His 2019 Masters victory was particularly historic—coming after multiple back surgeries and personal setbacks, it marked one of the greatest comebacks in sports history.

Historical Context: Other Legends of the Game

Before Nicklaus, several golfers set high standards in major championships. Walter Hagen and Ben Hogan were dominant forces in the early-to-mid 20th century. Bobby Jones, though an amateur, won 13 majors (including both U.S. and British Opens multiple times), but his achievements predate the modern professional era.

Key Historical Figures in Major Golf Championships

Walter Hagen: 11 majors – known for popularizing professional golf in the 1920s
Ben Hogan: 9 majors – renowned for his swing mechanics and focus
Arnold Palmer: 7 majors – instrumental in bringing golf to television audiences
Gary Player: 9 majors – part of the "Big Three" alongside Nicklaus and Palmer

Detailed Comparison of Major Champions

Player	Total Majors	Masters	U.S. Open	Open Championship	PGA Championship	Years Active
Jack Nicklaus	18	6	4	3	5	1962–1986
Tiger Woods	15	5	3	3	4	1996–2025
Walter Hagen	11	0	2	4	5	1914–1929
Ben Hogan	9	2	4	2	1	1946–1953
Gary Player	9	3	1	3	2	1959–1978
Tom Watson	8	2	1	5	0	1975–1983

Table data source:1, 2, 3, 4

The data shows Jack Nicklaus’ superiority in both total major count and distribution across all four events. While Tiger Woods has matched or exceeded Nicklaus in certain categories, only Nicklaus has won each major at least three times. His longevity is also evident, with major wins spanning over two decades.

Walter Hagen's success was primarily in the PGA Championship and The Open, reflecting the different structure and frequency of majors during his era. Tom Watson’s eight majors are heavily weighted toward The Open Championship, where he excelled on links courses.

Frequently Asked Questions About Major Golf Championships

Who has won the most men's major golf championships?

Jack Nicklaus has won the most men's major golf championships with 18 titles, a record that has stood since his final major victory at the 1986 Masters.

How many majors has Tiger Woods won?

Tiger Woods has won 15 major championships as of 2025, placing him second all-time behind Jack Nicklaus. He last won the Masters in 2019 after a decade-long drought.

Has anyone ever won all four majors in a single year?

No male golfer has won all four modern majors in a single calendar year. However, Tiger Woods held all four titles simultaneously across 2000–2001, known as the "Tiger Slam," though not within one year.

What is the oldest major championship in golf?

The Open Championship, first played in 1860, is the oldest major in golf. It is often referred to as the British Open and is hosted on links courses in the UK.