Q&A → Gene Sarazen Majors
How Many Majors Does Gene Sarazen Have?
Eugene Sarazen was one of golf's first international superstars, winning his first major at age 20 and competing at the highest level for more than two decades. Born to Italian immigrant parents as Eugenio Saraceni, he changed his name to something that "sounded more like a golfer" and proceeded to revolutionize the sport both as a champion and as an inventor.
Gene Sarazen's Major Championship Record
| Major | Year | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 🏆 US Open | 1922 | Skokie CC, Illinois |
| 🏆 PGA Championship | 1922 | Oakmont CC, Pennsylvania |
| 🏆 PGA Championship | 1923 | Pelham CC, New York |
| 🏆 US Open | 1932 | Fresh Meadow CC, New York |
| 🏆 The Open Championship | 1932 | Prince's, England |
| 🏆 PGA Championship | 1933 | Blue Mound CC, Wisconsin |
| 🏆 The Masters | 1935 | Augusta National (famous double eagle) |
| Total: 7 Majors | 3 PGA Championships · 2 US Opens · 1 Open · 1 Masters | |
Gene Sarazen: Career Overview
Gene Sarazen turned professional at 17 and won two majors by age 20, announcing himself as one of the most precocious talents in golf history. After a gap without major wins, he returned to dominance in 1932 by winning both the US Open and The Open Championship in the same year. The following year he added another PGA Championship.
His defining moment came at the 1935 Masters — only the second edition of the tournament — when he holed a 4-wood from 235 yards on the 15th hole for a double eagle to tie the lead. He won the playoff the following day to become the first golfer to win all four professional major championships. He is also widely credited with inventing the sand wedge, a club that transformed short-game play for generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many majors did Gene Sarazen win?
Gene Sarazen won 7 major championships: 3 PGA Championships, 2 US Opens, 1 Open Championship, and 1 Masters.
Was Sarazen the first Career Grand Slam winner?
Yes — Sarazen was the first professional golfer to win all four major championships, completing the Career Grand Slam with his 1935 Masters victory.
What is Sarazen's famous shot?
Sarazen's double eagle (albatross) at the 1935 Masters on the 15th hole is called "the shot heard round the world." He holed a 4-wood from 235 yards when trailing by three, instantly tying the lead.