Q&A → Jack Nicklaus Majors
How Many Majors Does Jack Nicklaus Have?
Jack Nicklaus — "The Golden Bear" — is the greatest major champion in the history of professional golf. His 18 major titles remain the benchmark every subsequent champion has been measured against, and the record Tiger Woods spent two decades chasing.
Jack Nicklaus's Complete Major Championship Record
| Major | Year | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 🏆 US Open | 1962 | Oakmont CC, Pennsylvania |
| 🏆 The Masters | 1963 | Augusta National |
| 🏆 PGA Championship | 1963 | Dallas Athletic Club, Texas |
| 🏆 The Masters | 1965 | Augusta National |
| 🏆 The Masters | 1966 | Augusta National |
| 🏆 The Open Championship | 1966 | Muirfield, Scotland |
| 🏆 US Open | 1967 | Baltusrol GC, New Jersey |
| 🏆 The Open Championship | 1970 | St Andrews, Scotland |
| 🏆 PGA Championship | 1971 | PGA National, Florida |
| 🏆 The Masters | 1972 | Augusta National |
| 🏆 US Open | 1972 | Pebble Beach, California |
| 🏆 PGA Championship | 1973 | Canterbury GC, Ohio |
| 🏆 The Masters | 1975 | Augusta National |
| 🏆 PGA Championship | 1975 | Firestone CC, Ohio |
| 🏆 The Open Championship | 1978 | St Andrews, Scotland |
| 🏆 US Open | 1980 | Baltusrol GC, New Jersey |
| 🏆 PGA Championship | 1980 | Oak Hill CC, New York |
| 🏆 The Masters | 1986 | Augusta National |
| Total: 18 Majors (All-Time Record) | 6 Masters · 4 US Opens · 3 Opens · 5 PGA Championships | |
Jack Nicklaus: Career Overview
Jack William Nicklaus turned professional in 1961 and immediately established himself as Arnold Palmer's primary rival. Known as "The Golden Bear" for his blond hair and power game, Nicklaus combined extraordinary distance for his era with a meticulous tactical approach to course management. He won his first major — the 1962 US Open — by beating Arnold Palmer in a playoff on Palmer's home turf at Oakmont, announcing himself to the world in dramatic fashion.
Over 24 years of major championship golf, Nicklaus was remarkably consistent. He won across four different decades, in all four major championships, and finished second or third on 37 combined occasions. His 1986 Masters win at age 46 — when he came from behind with a stunning back-nine 30 — remains the most celebrated final major win in golf history.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many majors does Jack Nicklaus have?
Jack Nicklaus has 18 professional major championships — the most in golf history. He also won 2 US Amateur titles for a total of 20 major titles including amateur events.
How many Masters did Nicklaus win?
Nicklaus won The Masters 6 times: 1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975, and 1986. His 6 green jackets are the most by any player.
Did Tiger Woods surpass Nicklaus?
No — Tiger reached 15 majors (3 short of Nicklaus) before injuries slowed his major championship pace. Nicklaus's record of 18 remains intact.
What was Nicklaus's most iconic major win?
His 1986 Masters victory at age 46 is the most celebrated — a back-nine 30 that saw him birdie 9 of the last 10 holes in contention, roared on by Augusta's galleries in one of sport's greatest moments.