All-Time Youngest Major Winners (Top 15)

Age is approximate at time of tournament victory. Historical ages (pre-1900) may vary slightly by source.

Young Tom Morris — The Greatest Teen Champion

Tom Morris Jr., known as "Young Tom," is one of the most remarkable figures in golf history. He first won The Open Championship in 1868 at just 17 years and 5 months — a record that will almost certainly stand forever. He then proceeded to win in 1869, 1870, and 1872 (the 1871 Open was not held), giving him four consecutive titles. His 1870 victory was so dominant — winning by 12 strokes — that he received the permanent custody of the Challenge Belt, forcing the R&A to create a new trophy: the Claret Jug.

Tragically, Young Tom died at age 24, just months after his wife and newborn child died in childbirth. He had already cemented himself as the greatest golfer of his era.

Youngest Winners at Each Major

The Masters — Youngest Champions

U.S. Open — Youngest Champions

The Open Championship — Youngest Champions

PGA Championship — Youngest Champions

Why Youth at Majors Is Rare in the Modern Era

Unlike in the pre-war era when professionals turned pro in their teens, today's top players typically develop through college golf (ages 18-22) before turning pro. By the time they've earned PGA Tour cards, qualified for majors through world ranking, and built the mental game required to win under pressure, most are at least 22-24 years old. Young Tom Morris could compete in The Open at 17 because the field was dozens of players, not 156 of the world's best.

The modern teenage prodigy who gets significant major attention — like Rory McIlroy at 18 or Justin Thomas as a college player — still rarely wins a major before their early 20s. The mental and strategic demands of four-day major championship golf remain a great equalizer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the youngest major winner in golf history?

Tom Morris Jr. (Young Tom Morris) won the 1868 Open Championship at 17 years and 5 months old — the only teenager to ever win a golf major. His record has stood for over 150 years and is considered unbreakable in the modern game.

Who is the youngest Masters winner?

Tiger Woods is the youngest Masters champion, winning in 1997 at 21 years and 3 months. His 12-stroke victory margin is also the largest in Masters history. Jordan Spieth is the second-youngest at 21 years and 8 months (2015).

Who is the youngest U.S. Open winner?

John McDermott won the U.S. Open in 1911 at just 19 years and 10 months, becoming the youngest U.S. Open champion and the first American-born winner of the title. In the modern era, Rory McIlroy won at age 22 in 2011.

Who is the youngest PGA Championship winner?

Gene Sarazen won the PGA Championship in 1922 at age 20 years and 5 months — he also won the U.S. Open that same year. In the stroke-play era (post-1958), Collin Morikawa and Rory McIlroy are among the youngest champions.

Has a teenager ever won a golf major?

Only once in recorded history: Young Tom Morris won The Open Championship in 1868 at age 17. No teenager has won a major in the modern era, and given the depth of today's professional fields, it seems extremely unlikely to happen again soon.