How Many Golfers Have Won All Four Majors?
Quick Answer
Only 6 players in history have won all four majors: Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Rory McIlroy (who completed it in 2025).
Winning all four major championships — The Masters, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and PGA Championship — is called the Career Grand Slam. Only 6 golfers in history have achieved this.
The 6 Career Grand Slam Winners
| Player | Year Completed | Total Majors | Years to Complete |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gene Sarazen | 1935 (Masters) | 7 | 13 years |
| Ben Hogan | 1953 (Open) | 9 | 7 years |
| Gary Player | 1965 (US Open) | 9 | 6 years |
| Jack Nicklaus | 1966 (Open) | 18 | 4 years |
| Tiger Woods | 2000 (Open) | 15 | 3 years |
| Rory McIlroy | 2025 (Masters) | 5 | 14 years |
Speed of Completion
- Fastest: Tiger Woods — 3 years (1997 Masters to 2000 Open)
- Second fastest: Jack Nicklaus — 4 years
- Longest wait: Rory McIlroy — 14 years (2011 US Open to 2025 Masters)
Active Players Close to Completing
Several active players are one major away from completing the Career Grand Slam:
- Jordan Spieth: Needs the PGA Championship (has Masters, US Open, Open)
Players who need two majors:
- Jon Rahm: Needs PGA Championship and Masters (has US Open, Open)
- Dustin Johnson: Needs Open and PGA (has US Open, Masters)
Why Is It So Difficult?
The Career Grand Slam is rare because each major tests different skills:
- The Masters: Course management, shot shaping at Augusta
- U.S. Open: Precision, thick rough, narrow fairways
- The Open: Links golf, wind, unpredictable conditions
- PGA Championship: All-around excellence on varied courses