Golfers With the Most Major Championship Victories of All Time

Published: June 24, 2024 by David Beren

In the history of golf, most people recognize the biggest names among the best golfers. Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods undoubtedly ring a bell, but they are far from the only golfers who deserve to be discussed anytime championships come up. In fact, the best names in golf should be considered anyone who won at least five majors during their career. With this in mind, let’s look at the list of golfers with the most major championships.

20. Brooks Koepka

*Brooks Koepka is one of the hottest golfers still playing today.*
©"Brooks Koepka Tees-off" by JazzyJoeyD is licensed under BY-SA 4.0. - Original / License

Country of origin: United States
Masters wins: 0
U.S. Open wins: 2
British Open wins: 0
PGA Championship wins: 3
Total majors: 5

19. Steve Ballesteros

Country of origin: Spain
Masters wins: 2
U.S. Open wins: 0
British Open wins: 3
PGA Championship wins: 0
Total majors: 5

18. Peter Thomson

Country of origin: Australia
Masters wins: 0
U.S. Open wins: 0
British Open wins: 5
PGA Championship wins: 0
Total majors: 5

17. Bryon Nelson

Country of origin: United States
Masters wins: 2
U.S. Open wins: 1
British Open wins: 0
PGA Championship wins: 2
Total majors: 5

16. John Henry Taylor

Country of origin: England
Masters wins: 0
U.S. Open wins: 0
British Open wins: 5
PGA Championship wins: 0
Total majors: 5

15. James Braid

Country of origin: Scotland
Masters wins: 0
U.S. Open wins: 0
British Open wins: 5
PGA Championship wins: 0
Total majors: 5

14. Phil Mickelson

*Phil Mickelson is one of the highest-profile golfers in the world.*
©"Phil Mickelson" by Corn Farmer is licensed under BY-ND 2.0. - Original / License

Country of origin: United States
Masters wins: 3
U.S. Open wins: 0
British Open wins: 1
PGA Championship wins: 2
Total majors: 6

13. Nick Faldo

*Nick Faldo was ranked number one in the world for 97 weeks.*
©"Justin Rose & Nick Faldo, Open 2007" by SN#1 is licensed under BY 2.0. - Original / License

Country of origin: England
Masters wins: 3
U.S. Open wins: 0
British Open wins: 3
PGA Championship wins: 0
Total majors: 6

12. Lee Trevino

Country of origin: United States
Masters wins: 0
U.S. Open wins: 2
British Open wins: 2
PGA Championship wins: 2
Total majors: 6

11. Arnold Palmer

*Arnold Palmer is one of the greatest golfers ever, plus a popular drink.*
©"Arnold Palmer at the Masters Par 3 Tournament" by danperry.com is licensed under BY 2.0. - Original / License

Country of origin: United States
Masters wins: 4
U.S. Open wins: 1
British Open wins: 2
PGA Championship wins: 0
Total majors: 7

10. Sam Snead

*Sam Snead teeing off at Wrigley Field, demonstrating the game of golf.*
©"Sam Snead @ Wrigley Field July 1961 001" by rchdj10 is licensed under BY-ND 2.0. - Original / License

Country of origin: United States
Masters wins: 3
U.S. Open wins: 0
British Open wins: 1
PGA Championship wins: 3
Total majors: 7

9. Gene Sarazen

*Gene Sarazen standing next to the PGA Championship trophy.*
©"File:Gene Sarazen.JPG" by Amrabat is licensed under BY-SA 4.0. - Original / License

Country of origin: United States
Masters wins: 1
U.S. Open wins: 2
British Open wins: 1
PGA Championship wins: 3
Total majors: 7

8. Bobby Jones

Country of origin: United States
Masters wins: 0
U.S. Open wins: 4
British Open wins: 3
PGA Championship wins: 0
Total majors: 7

7. Harry Vardon

*A statue dedicated to Harry Vardon and his record six Open championship wins.*
©"Harry Vardon statue - geograph.ci - 237" by Bob Embleton is licensed under BY-SA 2.0. - Original / License

Country of origin: Vardon (part of England)
Masters wins: 0
U.S. Open wins: 1
British Open wins: 6
PGA Championship wins: 0
Total majors: 7

6. Tom Watson

*Tom Watson pictured after winning the 1982 US Open.*
©"Tom Watson after winning the 1982 US Open" by Fox Sports is licensed under BY 4.0. - Original / License

Country of origin: United States
Masters wins: 2
U.S. Open wins: 1
British Open wins: 5
PGA Championship wins: 0
Total majors: 8

5. Gary Player

Country of origin: South Africa
Masters wins: 3
U.S. Open wins: 1
British Open wins: 3
PGA Championship wins: 2
Total majors: 9

4. Ben Hogan

Country of origin: United States
Masters wins: 2
U.S. Open wins: 4
British Open wins: 1
PGA Championship wins: 2
Total majors: 9

3. Walter Hagen

Country of origin: United States
Masters wins: 0
U.S. Open wins: 2
British Open wins: 4
PGA Championship wins: 5
Total majors: 11

2. Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods. Iconic sports moments — *Tiger Woods is arguably the best-known name in all of golf history.*
©Tiger Woods drives by Allison.jpg: Keith Allisonderivative work: Muhammad / CC BY-SA 2.0 - Original / License

Country of origin: United States
Masters wins: 5
U.S. Open wins: 3
British Open wins: 3
PGA Championship wins: 4
Total majors: 15

1. Jack Nicklaus

*Jack Nicklaus has won the most majors in the history of golf.*
©"Jack Nicklaus at The Masters" by pocketwiley is licensed under BY 2.0. - Original / License

Country of origin: United States
Masters wins: 6
U.S. Open wins: 4
British Open wins: 3
PGA Championship wins: 5
Total majors: 18

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