18 Players With Most Golf Majors So Far

Jack Nicklaus stands as an iconic figure in the world of golf and leaving an indelible mark on the sport with a career defined by unparalleled achievements.

Not only that but his most notable achievement is his record 18 major championships, a feat that remains unmatched in the history of golf. His major victories include six Masters Tournaments, five PGA Championships, four U.S. Opens and three Open Championships. 

His remarkable career, spanning from the 1960s to the 1980s, saw him dominate the sport with a precision and strategic prowess that remains unparalleled.

Renowned for his strategic approach and precise ball-striking, Jack Nicklaus was a dominant force on the golf course. 

Moreover, his competitive spirit and ability to perform under pressure led to epic duels with rivals like Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson, creating some of the most memorable moments in golf history.

Tiger Woods has left an indelible mark on the sport with a career marked by astonishing records and unparalleled achievements.

Woods burst onto the scene in 1997 with a historic win at the Masters Tournament, setting multiple records in the process.

Furthermore, his 12 shot margin of victory and a record-breaking total score of 270 are etched in Masters history. The victory marked the beginning of a remarkable run that included 15 major championships.

In 2000, Tiger achieved what many consider one of the greatest individual feats in golf history. He won four consecutive majors, holding the titles of the U.S. Open, The Open Championship, the PGA Championship and the Masters simultaneously.

Woods also boasts numerous records in the Official World Golf Ranking. He spent a record 683 weeks at World number 1, showcasing an unprecedented level of dominance over an extended period.

Walter Hagen secured a total of 11 major championships, a remarkable feat that places him among the greatest golfers of his era. His major victories include four consecutive PGA Championships from 1924 to 1927, a testament to his dominance in match play competitions.

Hagen was a key figure in the early editions of the Ryder Cup, representing the United States as both a player and a captain.

Not only that but his leadership skills and on-course prowess contributed significantly to the U.S. team's success and he remains one of the tournament's legendary figures.

In 1922, Hagen became the first American to win The Open Championship, breaking the dominance of British players in the prestigious tournament. 

Ben Hogan won a total of nine major championships during his career. His major victories include four U.S. Opens (1948, 1950, 1951, 1953), two Masters Tournaments (1951, 1953), and one each at The Open Championship (1953) and the PGA Championship (1946).

In 1953, Hogan achieved a rare feat known as the 'Triple Crown of Golf.' He won three major championships in a single calendar year, capturing The Masters, the U.S. Open, and The Open Championship.

Moreover, his achievements that year are considered among the most remarkable in golf history.

He was renowned for his exceptional ball-striking and precision on the fairways. His swing, often referred to as the 'Hogan swing,' is still studied and admired by golf enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Gary Player boasts an impressive record of nine major championships. His major victories include three Masters Tournaments (1961, 1974, 1978), three Open Championships (1959, 1968, 1974), two PGA Championships (1962, 1972) and one U.S. Open (1965).

Player is one of the select few golfers to have achieved the Career Grand Slam, having won each of the four major championships at least once.

Moreover, his versatility and success on different courses and in various conditions underline his status as one of the game's all-time greats.

He was one of the first international players to compete regularly on the PGA Tour, breaking down barriers for golfers from outside the United States. 

Tom Watson secured a total of eight major championships during his illustrious career. His major victories include five Open Championships (1975, 1977, 1980, 1982, 1983) and two Masters Tournaments (1977, 1981). He also claimed one U.S. Open title in 1982.

Watson was celebrated for his ability to deliver in clutch moments, particularly in major championships. His memorable duels with Jack Nicklaus in the 1977 Open Championship, often referred to as the 'Duel in the Sun,' and his victory at the 1982 U.S. Open showcase his mental toughness and competitiveness.

Moreover, his success in the Open Championship is particularly noteworthy. His five victories in this major tournament tie him for the second-highest number of Open Championships won, emphasizing his mastery of links golf.

Bobby Jones secured a total of seven major championships during his illustrious career. His major victories include four U.S. Open Championship (1923, 1926, 1929, 1930) and three Open Championships (1926, 1927, 1930).

In 1930, Bobby won all four major championships of his era: The British Open, The U.S. Open, The U.S. Amateur and The British Amateur. He accomplished this remarkable feat within the span of just four months, a testament to his skill and consistency.

Furthermore, his success was particularly noteworthy because he achieved his Grand Slam and numerous other victories as an amateur. Remarkably, he retired from competitive golf at the age of 28 after completing his Grand Slam in 1930.

Arnold Palmer's legacy is punctuated by seven major championship victories. He claimed four green jackets at the Masters Tournament (1958, 1960, 1962, 1964), two Claret Jugs at The Open Championship (1961, 1962) and one U.S. Open title in 1960. 

Not only that but his dominance at the Masters, particularly his back-to-back victories in 1960 and 1961, solidified his status as a golfing legend. 

Beyond his achievements on the course, he played a pivotal role in popularizing golf during the television era. His swashbuckling style, aggressive play and engaging personality attracted a broader audience to the sport, transforming him into a cultural icon.

Amassing an impressive 62 victories on the PGA Tour, his competitive spirit and never-say-die attitude were instrumental in establishing him as one of the most dominant players of his era. 

Sam Snead claimed a total of seven major championships during his career. His victories include three Masters Tournaments (1949, 1952, 1954), three PGA Championships (1942, 1949, 1951), and one Open Championship (1946). Despite his consistent success, a U.S. Open title eluded him with Snead finishing as a runner-up four times.

His career was marked by an astounding number of professional victories. With over 80 wins on the PGA Tour, he holds the record for the most official wins in PGA Tour history.

Remarkably, Snead continued to compete at a high level well into his senior years, becoming the oldest winner of a PGA Tour event at the age of 52 in 1965.

He represented the United States in seven Ryder Cup competitions, contributing to multiple victories. His ability to perform under pressure and his sportsmanship made him a valuable asset in team competitions.

Gene Sarazen secured a total of seven major championships during his illustrious career. His major victories include two U.S. Opens (1922, 1932), three PGA Championships (1922, 1923, 1933), one Open Championship (1932) and one Masters Tournament (1935).

Sarazen completed this feat at the 1935 Masters Tournament with a memorable double eagle on the par-5 15th hole during the final round.

This iconic shot, known as the 'shot heard round the world,' remains one of the most legendary moments in golf history.

Furthermore, he was a key contributor to the U.S. Ryder Cup team, representing his country in the early editions of the competition. 

Harry Vardon secured a total of seven major championships during his illustrious career. His major victories include six Open Championships (1896, 1898, 1899, 1903, 1911, 1914) and one U.S. Open (1900). 

Vardon was not only admired for his playing ability but also for his sportsmanship and dignity on and off the course.

While his prime years predated the establishment of the Ryder Cup, he played an instrumental role in the early exhibition matches that laid the groundwork for the prestigious team competition between the United States and Europe.

He was posthumously inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the sport.

Lee Trevino's journey into golf began as a caddy at the Dallas Athletic Club. Despite a lack of formal training, he developed his skills through observation and practice.

Trevino turned professional in 1960, marking the beginning of a career that would establish him as one of the most entertaining and accomplished players.

He secured a total of six major championships during his career. His major victories include two U.S. Opens (1968, 1971), two Open Championships (1971, 1972), and two PGA Championships (1974, 1984). 

Furthermore, Lee had a notable rivalry with fellow golfing legend Jack Nicklaus during the 1970s. Their head-to-head battles in major championships, including memorable duels in playoffs, added drama and excitement to the golfing landscape during that era.

Nick Faldo secured a total of six major championships during his career, cementing his status as one of the all-time greats. His major victories include three Masters Tournaments (1989, 1990, 1996) and three Open Championships (1987, 1990, 1992). 

Faldo started his golf journey at an early age and he quickly rose through the ranks as an amateur player. 

Moreover, his success included winning the English Amateur Championship in 1975 and 1976. He turned professional in 1976, embarking on a career that would span several decades.

His back-to-back victories at the Masters Tournament in 1989 and 1990 marked a significant achievement in his career.

Nick was a stalwart for the European Ryder Cup team, representing his continent in 11 Ryder Cup competitions from 1977 to 1997. 

Phil Mickelson has secured six major championships during his illustrious career. His major victories include three Masters Tournaments (2004, 2006, 2010), two PGA Championships (2005, 2021), and one Open Championship (2013). 

His success on the PGA Tour is highlighted by an impressive number of victories. With over 45 wins, he ranks among the most prolific winners in the modern era.  Phil has been a stalwart on U.S. Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup teams, contributing to numerous team victories.

Moreover, his three Masters victories, including a memorable first major win in 2004, have solidified his place in the tournament's storied history. 

Seve Ballesteros secured a total of five major championships during his illustrious career. His major victories include three Open Championships (1979, 1984, 1988) and two Masters Tournaments (1980, 1983). 

Seve made history by becoming the first European player to win the Masters Tournament in 1980. His victory solidified his status as a trailblazer for European golf and an inspiration to aspiring golfers worldwide.

In 1999, he was rightfully inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to the sport. 

Byron Nelson secured a total of five major championships during his career. His major victories include two Masters Tournaments (1937, 1942), two PGA Championships (1940, 1945) and one U.S. Open (1939). 

The pinnacle of his career came in 1945 when he achieved an unparalleled level of dominance. In that season, he won 18 tournaments which includes 11 consecutive victories, a record that still stands as one of the most remarkable achievements in the history of professional golf. 

Nelson represented the United States in five Ryder Cup competitions, contributing to the team's success with his steady play and leadership.

He chose to retire from competitive golf in 1946 at the age of 34, citing a desire to step away from the pressures of tournament play.

James Braid secured a total of five Open Championship victories during his career, making him one of the preeminent players of his time. His Open Championship triumphs occurred in 1901, 1905, 1906, 1908,and 1910.

Braid's ability to navigate the challenging links courses of the Open Championship showcased his mastery of the game.

While the concept of the modern Grand Slam was not formalized during his era, his achievement of winning all four major championships of his time (the Open Championship, the British PGA Matchplay Championship, the British PGA Championship and the Glasgow Herald Tournament) was a remarkable feat.

He played a key role in the early editions of the Ryder Cup, representing Great Britain against the United States

Peter Thomson secured a total of five major championships during his career. His major victories include five Open Championships (1954, 1955, 1956, 1958, 1965).

Thomson's dominance at The Open Championship marked him as one of the tournament's most successful competitors and his three consecutive victories from 1954 to 1956 underscored his mastery of links golf.

His precise ball-striking and strategic prowess on the challenging links courses solidified his reputation as a formidable force in major championships.

Not only that but he represented Australia in the Ryder Cup, contributing to the international team's efforts against the United States.