Golf Majors Lookup

The Career Grand Slam—winning all 4 major championships at least once—is golf's most exclusive club. In over 90 years of modern major championship golf, only 6 players have achieved this ultimate feat.

🏆 What is the Career Grand Slam?

To complete the Career Grand Slam, a golfer must win:

• The Masters (April, Augusta National)
• The PGA Championship (May)
• The U.S. Open (June)
• The Open Championship (July, British Open)

Unlike the Calendar Grand Slam (winning all 4 in one year, which has never been done), the Career Grand Slam can be completed over any timespan. But that doesn't make it easy—only 6 golfers in history have joined this elite group.

The 6 Career Grand Slam Winners

1. Gene Sarazen (Completed 1935)

Gene Sarazen was the first to achieve the Career Grand Slam, completing it when he won the inaugural Masters Tournament in 1935. His famous "shot heard 'round the world"—a double-eagle at Augusta's 15th hole—remains one of golf's most iconic moments.

2. Ben Hogan (Completed 1953)

Ben Hogan completed his Career Grand Slam in 1953 with his only appearance at The Open Championship. That year, he won 3 of the 4 majors he entered—The Masters, U.S. Open, and The Open—in one of golf's most dominant seasons.

3. Gary Player (Completed 1965)

Gary Player became the first international player to win the Career Grand Slam, completing it at the 1965 U.S. Open. The South African legend's fitness regimen and mental toughness set new standards for professional golf.

4. Jack Nicklaus (Completed 1966)

Jack Nicklaus completed his Career Grand Slam at age 26 by winning The Open in 1966. He went on to win 18 major championships—the most in golf history—and completed the Career Grand Slam 3 times over. The Golden Bear is widely considered golf's greatest champion.

5. Tiger Woods (Completed 2000)

Tiger Woods completed the Career Grand Slam at age 24 when he won the 2000 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach by a record 15 strokes. He would go on to hold all 4 major titles simultaneously (the "Tiger Slam" from 2000-2001), cementing his place as one of golf's all-time greats with 15 major championships.

6. Rory McIlroy (Completed 2025)

Rory McIlroy finally completed his Career Grand Slam at the 2025 Masters, ending an 11-year wait since his first major victory. The Northern Irishman became the 6th member of golf's most exclusive club and the newest Career Grand Slam winner.

📊 Career Grand Slam Comparison

Player	Completed	Age	Total Majors	Missing Piece
Gene Sarazen	1935	33	7	Masters
Ben Hogan	1953	40	9	The Open
Gary Player	1965	29	9	U.S. Open
Jack Nicklaus	1966	26	18	The Open
Tiger Woods	2000	24	15	U.S. Open
Rory McIlroy	2025	35	5	Masters

🔍 Who's Next?

Several current players are one major away from joining this elite group:

• Jordan Spieth - Missing: PGA Championship (has 3 majors)
• Brooks Koepka - Missing: The Open (has 5 majors)
• Phil Mickelson - Missing: U.S. Open (has 6 majors, multiple runner-up finishes)

Phil Mickelson, with 6 major championships and a record 6 U.S. Open runner-up finishes, came closest without completing the Grand Slam. At age 55, his window has likely closed.

Why Is It So Hard?

The Career Grand Slam is incredibly difficult because:

• Different skill sets required: Augusta's precision, links golf at The Open, U.S. Open's difficulty, and the PGA's depth of field
• Limited opportunities: Only 4 chances per year to win a major
• Peak performance windows: Players must stay healthy and competitive over multiple years
• Mental pressure: The weight of chasing the missing piece (see: Mickelson at the U.S. Open, McIlroy at the Masters)