Who is the Oldest Major Winner in Golf?
Quick Answer
Phil Mickelson won the 2021 PGA Championship at age 50 years, 11 months — the oldest major champion in modern history. Julius Boros (48, 1968 PGA) previously held the record.
Phil Mickelson became the oldest major champion in golf history when he won the 2021 PGA Championship at Kiawah Island at age 50 years and 11 months, shattering the previous record.
Top 5 Oldest Major Winners
- Phil Mickelson: 50 years, 11 months, 7 days (2021 PGA Championship)
- Julius Boros: 48 years, 4 months, 18 days (1968 PGA Championship)
- Tom Morris Sr.: 46 years, 3 months (1867 Open Championship)
- Jack Nicklaus: 46 years, 2 months, 23 days (1986 Masters)
- Jerry Barber: 45 years, 3 months (1961 PGA Championship)
Mickelson's Historic 2021 PGA
Phil Mickelson's victory at Kiawah Island was remarkable for several reasons:
- Broke Julius Boros's 53-year-old record by nearly 3 years
- Won on one of the toughest courses in major championship history
- His first major win since the 2013 Open Championship — an 8-year gap
- Proved players in their 50s could still compete at the highest level
Jack Nicklaus's 1986 Masters
Perhaps the most famous "older winner" in golf history, Jack Nicklaus won the 1986 Masters at age 46, shooting a back-nine 30 to come from behind and win his 18th and final major championship. This victory is often cited as the greatest moment in major championship history.
Historical Era Considerations
Old Tom Morris won The Open Championship at age 46 in 1867, but that was in an era with far less competition and different athletic standards. Modern equipment, course conditioning, and competition depth make late-career major wins increasingly rare and impressive.