Throughout the storied history of professional golf, a select number of players have achieved the prestigious career Grand Slam by winning all four major championships. The journey toward this remarkable accomplishment varies for each golfer, with some seizing the opportunity swiftly while others pursue it over numerous tries. Let’s explore the distinguished players who have accomplished a Grand Slam, their path to success, and those still chasing this honor.
Among the pioneering golfers to achieve a career Grand Slam was Gene Sarazen. He secured his U.S. Open title in 1922, followed swiftly by the PGA Championship in the same year. After claiming the British Open in 1932, Sarazen completed his Grand Slam at the Masters in 1935, doing so on his first attempt.
Ben Hogan joined the exclusive club by winning the PGA Championship in 1946 and the U.S. Open in 1948. After securing two Masters titles in 1951, Hogan clinched the British Open in 1953, completing his Grand Slam on his first attempt as well.
Gary Player, a legendary figure in golf, captured his first British Open in 1959, followed by Masters and PGA Championship victories in the early 1960s. After several attempts to seal his Grand Slam, Player finally achieved it by winning the U.S. Open in 1965 on his third attempt.
Jack Nicklaus, known for his remarkable golfing legacy, amassed the U.S. Open and Masters victories between 1962 and 1963. After two close attempts, he completed his Grand Slam with the British Open win in 1966. Similarly, Tiger Woods achieved his Grand Slam by winning the Masters in 1997, the PGA Championship in 1999, and sealing it with the British Open in 2000 during his first attempt.
Rory McIlroy, a modern golf icon, is among the notable players striving for the Grand Slam. Having achieved victories in the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, and British Open by 2014, Rory continues to target the elusive Masters victory. Despite numerous attempts with varying outcomes, McIlroy remains committed to this pursuit.
Several players have come tantalizingly close to clinching the career Grand Slam, having secured three out of the four major titles. Jordan Spieth, for instance, gathered victories at the Masters and U.S. Open in 2015 followed by a British Open win in 2017. However, the PGA Championship continues to elude him after several attempts.
Phil Mickelson, an enduring figure in golf, has claimed his victories at the Masters, PGA Championship, and British Open between 2004 and 2013. Despite multiple attempts, securing a U.S. Open title remains a goal unexplored.
The history of golf also remembers those who played before the Grand Slam concept was formalized by Arnold Palmer in 1960. Players like Walter Hagen and Jim Barnes, though unsuccessful in achieving the modern Grand Slam, had impressive careers with multiple major victories. Others, such as Tommy Armour, Byron Nelson, Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Raymond Floyd, and Tom Watson, have won three different majors but fell short of securing the fourth.
This illustrious list underlines the great challenge and rare achievement that the career Grand Slam represents in the world of professional golf. Whether they have succeeded or are still striving, these players have made significant contributions to the sport and left a lasting legacy in golfing history.