Q&A → Sam Snead Majors
How Many Majors Does Sam Snead Have?
Sam Snead possessed arguably the most beautiful swing in the history of golf. Born in Hot Springs, Virginia in 1912, Snead turned professional in the 1930s and competed at the elite level for four decades. His natural athleticism and fluid mechanics made him a consistent winner throughout his career.
Sam Snead's Major Championship Record
| Major | Year | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 🏆 PGA Championship | 1942 | Seaview CC, New Jersey |
| 🏆 The Open Championship | 1946 | St Andrews, Scotland |
| 🏆 The Masters | 1949 | Augusta National |
| 🏆 PGA Championship | 1949 | Hermitage CC, Virginia |
| 🏆 PGA Championship | 1951 | Oakmont CC, Pennsylvania |
| 🏆 The Masters | 1952 | Augusta National |
| 🏆 The Masters | 1954 | Augusta National (playoff vs Hogan) |
| US Open | — | Not won (runner-up 4 times) |
| Total: 7 Majors | 3 Masters · 3 PGA Championships · 1 Open Championship | |
Sam Snead: Career Overview
Samuel Jackson Snead was one of the most naturally gifted ball-strikers the game has ever produced. His silky swing — grooved on the public courses of rural Virginia — made him a winner from his first PGA Tour event in 1936. He went on to win 82 official PGA Tour events, a record that stood alone until Tiger Woods tied it in 2019.
The cruel irony of Snead's career is the US Open. He finished runner-up four times and came tantalizingly close on multiple occasions. His most infamous moment came at the 1939 US Open at Philadelphia Country Club, where a miscommunication about his score led him to make an 8 on the final hole when a 5 would have won. He lost by two.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many majors did Sam Snead win?
Sam Snead won 7 major championships: 3 Masters, 3 PGA Championships, and 1 Open Championship. He is tied with Arnold Palmer and Gene Sarazen on 7 professional majors.
Did Sam Snead ever win the US Open?
No — the US Open is the one major that eluded Snead despite 4 runner-up finishes. His failure to win the US Open is considered one of golf's great career footnotes.
What record does Sam Snead hold?
Snead's 82 PGA Tour victories are tied for the all-time record with Tiger Woods. He is also the oldest player to win on the PGA Tour (age 52 in 1965).