Major Wins by Country — Full Table

Note: Win totals are estimated based on historical records. Pre-1960 Open Championship records are included. Figures flagged with * are estimates.

* Estimated totals. USA and Scotland counts include pre-1934 Open Championship winners. All four modern majors used since 1960 (Masters began 1934, PGA began 1916).

Country Spotlights

United States — The Dominant Nation

The United States has produced more major champions than all other nations combined. American dominance spans every era — from Walter Hagen and Gene Sarazen in the 1920s, through the Ben Hogan and Sam Snead era, into Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer in the 1960s-70s, and Tiger Woods in the 1990s-2000s. Modern Americans like Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, and Scottie Scheffler continue the tradition.

First American major winner: Horace Rawlins (1895 U.S. Open)

South Africa — Punching Above Its Weight

South Africa is the second most successful nation despite its small population. Gary Player leads with 9 majors (3 Masters, 3 Opens, 2 PGAs, 1 U.S. Open). Ernie Els added 4 more (2 U.S. Opens, 2 Opens), and Retief Goosen won 2 U.S. Opens. Louis Oosthuizen (2010 Open) and Charl Schwartzel (2011 Masters) round out the modern generation.

First South African major winner: Gary Player (1959 Open Championship)

Australia — Home of the Shark

Greg Norman won 2 Open Championships (1986, 1993) but famously finished runner-up in 8 other majors. Adam Scott won the 2013 Masters, becoming Australia's first Masters champion. David Graham won the 1979 PGA and 1981 U.S. Open. Peter Thomson won 5 Open Championships in the 1950s-60s.

First Australian major winner: Peter Thomson (1954 Open Championship)

England — Nick Faldo's Legacy

Nick Faldo dominates England's major tally with 6 wins (3 Masters, 3 Opens). Tony Jacklin won the 1969 Open and 1970 U.S. Open. Lee Westwood never won a major despite reaching world #1. More recently, Justin Rose won the 2013 U.S. Open (if his page exists) and Matthew Fitzpatrick claimed the 2022 U.S. Open.

First English major winner (modern era): Max Faulkner (1951 Open Championship)

Northern Ireland — The Rory Effect

A small region with an outsized impact. Rory McIlroy has 4 majors (2011 US Open, 2012 PGA, 2012 Open, 2014 PGA). Darren Clarke won the 2011 Open Championship. Graeme McDowell won the 2010 U.S. Open. Pádraig Harrington (Ireland, not Northern Ireland) won 3 majors.

First Northern Irish major winner: Graeme McDowell (2010 U.S. Open)

Spain — Seve's Country

Spain's 7 major wins are built on two legends. Seve Ballesteros won 5 majors (2 Masters, 3 Opens), becoming one of the most beloved figures in golf history. José María Olazábal added 2 Masters titles (1994, 1999).

First Spanish major winner: Seve Ballesteros (1979 Open Championship)

Germany — Langer and Kaymer

Bernhard Langer won back-to-back Masters (1985, 1993). Martin Kaymer won the 2010 PGA Championship and the 2014 U.S. Open at Pinehurst, making Germany a four-major nation.

First German major winner: Bernhard Langer (1985 Masters)

Japan — Matsuyama's Breakthrough

Hideki Matsuyama made history in 2021, becoming the first Japanese player — and first Asian-born player to win the Masters — with his victory at Augusta National. His caddie, Shota Hayafuji, bowed to the course in a moment that moved golf fans worldwide.

First Japanese major winner: Hideki Matsuyama (2021 Masters)

Zimbabwe — Nick Price's Legacy

Nick Price was the world's best player in the mid-1990s, winning the 1992 and 1994 PGA Championships plus the 1994 Open Championship — three majors in three years. Zimbabwe also had Tony Johnstone as a top-ranked player, though Johnstone never won a major.

First Zimbabwean major winner: Nick Price (1992 PGA Championship)

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country has won the most golf majors?

The United States has won the most golf majors — over 200 combined titles across all four majors. American players have dominated the sport since the 1920s, when Walter Hagen and Gene Sarazen emerged as global stars. The U.S. benefits from the world's deepest professional tour, robust junior development programs, and the two American-hosted majors (Masters and U.S. Open).

Has Japan ever won a major?

Yes — Hideki Matsuyama won the 2021 Masters, becoming the first Japanese player to win a golf major. It was a landmark moment for Japanese golf, which has produced many talented players who fell just short over the decades.

Which countries have won all four majors?

As of 2025, the following countries have won all four major championships: United States, South Africa, Australia, England, and Spain (Seve won Masters and Opens, but Spain hasn't won a U.S. Open or PGA). The U.S., South Africa, and Australia have won all four majors.

Has any South American country won a major?

Argentina has won two majors. Ángel Cabrera won the 2007 U.S. Open and the 2009 Masters, making him the only South American player with multiple major titles.

Which country dominates The Open Championship?

Scotland and England historically dominated The Open Championship, as the tournament was exclusively played in the UK until modern times. The Open has been won by players from over 20 nations, making it the most internationally diverse of the four majors.