Q&A → Walter Hagen Majors
How Many Majors Does Walter Hagen Have?
Walter Hagen was golf's first showman and its first full-time touring professional. Flamboyant, charismatic, and supremely confident, Hagen elevated the social standing of professional golfers and proved that skill and style were not mutually exclusive. He played with a bold, flair-driven style that made him beloved by galleries worldwide.
Walter Hagen's Major Championship Record
| Major | Year | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 🏆 US Open | 1914 | Midlothian CC, Illinois |
| 🏆 US Open | 1919 | Brae Burn CC, Massachusetts |
| 🏆 PGA Championship | 1921 | Inwood CC, New York |
| 🏆 The Open Championship | 1922 | Royal St George's, England |
| 🏆 The Open Championship | 1924 | Royal Hoylake, England |
| 🏆 PGA Championship | 1924 | French Lick CC, Indiana |
| 🏆 PGA Championship | 1925 | Olympia Fields, Illinois |
| 🏆 PGA Championship | 1926 | Salisbury GC, New York |
| 🏆 PGA Championship | 1927 | Cedar Crest CC, Texas |
| 🏆 The Open Championship | 1928 | Royal St George's, England |
| 🏆 The Open Championship | 1929 | Muirfield, Scotland |
| Total: 11 Majors | 5 PGA Championships · 4 Open Championships · 2 US Opens | |
Walter Hagen: Career Overview
Walter Charles Hagen was born in Rochester, New York in 1892. A naturally gifted athlete who considered a baseball career, he instead dedicated himself to golf and won his first US Open in 1914 at age 21. His four consecutive Open Championship victories and five PGA Championship wins during the 1920s established him as the dominant force in world golf during that era.
Beyond his playing record, Hagen's cultural impact was enormous. He was the first professional golfer to earn a million dollars and the first to hire a manager. He refused to use servants' entrances at clubs that barred professionals, fighting for the dignity of his profession. His famous quote — "Don't hurry, don't worry. You're only here for a short visit, so be sure to stop and smell the flowers." — captures the joie de vivre that defined him.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many majors did Walter Hagen win?
Walter Hagen won 11 professional major championships: 5 PGA Championships, 4 Open Championships, and 2 US Opens. He is third all-time behind Nicklaus (18) and Woods (15).
Did Hagen ever play in The Masters?
Yes — Hagen played in several early Masters tournaments (which began in 1934) but did not win. He was 41 when the first Masters was held and no longer competing at his peak level.
What was Hagen's most dominant stretch?
Hagen's 1924-1927 run of four consecutive PGA Championships is his most dominant stretch — a remarkable feat in match-play format where a single bad hole can end your run.