Golf is one of the most popular and global of all the major sports, boasting millions of players and fans around the world. With so many superstar players such as Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka, Jordan Spieth, and many more, golf’s biggest tournaments are always among some of the most watched sports events of the year.
The final round of the 2023 Masters averaged over 12 million on CBS, the highest final-round ratings for a golf tournament on any network in the last five years. That figure is an increase of 19% over the 2022 Masters and highlights the continued popularity of the game.
Golf is particularly popular all over the world with thriving tours and multiple big money tournaments throughout the year. As the 2024 season gets underway fans will already be looking forward to some great action as the best players in the world go head-to-head. Here’s our round up of the tournaments and dates you need to know about.
The Open Championship
Date: 14-21 July 2024
Location: Royal Troon, Scotland
Current Champion: Brian Harman (US)
The Open Championship, or The Open, is the oldest golf tournament in the world and represents one of Golf’s four Majors, along with the Masters, US Open, and the US PGA Championship. It was first played on 17 October 1860 at Prestwick Golf Club in Ayrshire, Scotland.
In 1872, the famous silver claret jug was created and given to the “Champion golfer of the year.” This year’s tournament will be the 152nd Open.
Most Open Championship Victories:
- Harry Vardon: 6
- James Braid, John Henry Taylor, Peter Thomson, Tom Watson: 5
- Bobby Locke: 4
- Bobby Jones, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Tiger Woods: 3
The Open is traditionally played on a seaside or “links” course, and is considered one the greatest tests of a golfer’s ability, thanks to the undulating terrain, fierce bunkers, and often unpredictable weather.
Last year’s winner, Brian Harman, will be looking to defend his title at Royal Troon and in doing so emulate Padraig Harrington who was the last man to achieve back-to-back victories in 2007 and 2008.
U.S. Open
Date: 13–16 June, 2024
Location: Pinehurst No. 2, Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina.
Current Champion: Wyndham Clark
Established in 1895, the US Open is the third major of the year. The tournament is traditionally played on long, narrow courses with punitive rough for errant shots which means the winner often posts around even par for the tournament. Some have even lifted the US Open Championship Trophy with an over par total.
That makes picking a winner potentially harder than any other tournament, and with many Americans now taking advantage of promos offered at Fanatics sportsbook and placing sports bets online on golf tournaments, just like the UK, it’s a great way to add some extra excitement.
The US Open has been won multiple times by many players, but only four have won the trophy four times. Those players are Willie Anderson, Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan and Jack Nicklaus. Defending champion Wyndham Clark will be looking to be the first player since Brooks Koepka (2017-18) to retain the title.
The Masters
Location: Augusta National Golf Club, Georgia
Date: 11–14 April, 2024
Current Champion: Jon Rahm (Spain)
Originating in 1934, the Masters Tournament has been home to some of the most memorable moments not just in golf, but in sport. Augusta has witnessed some spectacular action over the years, with records broken, legends made, unbelievable finishes, and heartbreak a plenty.
The first major of the season is played on a course that is famously difficult and known for its azaleas, pine trees, immaculate fairways, and super-fast greens. For many, the Masters remains the pinnacle of golf and the ultimate achievement for a golfer. Victory brings with it not just a sizeable winner’s cheque and a place in the history books alongside some of the greatest names ever to have played the game, but a coveted green jacket and life time membership to Augusta National Golf Club too.
Most Masters Victories:
- Jack Nicklaus: 6
- Tiger Woods: 5
- Arnold Palmer: 4
- Jimmy Demaret, Sam Snead, Gary Player, Nick Faldo, Phil Mickelson: 3
PGA Championship
Location: Valhalla Golf Club, Louisville, KY
Date: 16-19 May
Current Champion: Brooks Koepka
The US PGA Championship tournament was first played in 1916, and up until 1957 was competed as a match play tournament. It is the seasons second major and the prestigious Wanamaker trophy has been lifted by stellar names over the years, such as Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson, Justin Thomas, Rory McIlroy, and Tiger Woods.
The Players Championship
Location: TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
Date: 14-17 March
Current Champion: Scottie Scheffler
Considered the most popular tournament outside the majors, by fans and players alike, the Players Championship is hosted at the Tournament Players Club at Sawgrass in Florida each year. The course is the first true Stadium Course and was designed to improve the fan experience.
The famous par-3 Island Green on the 17th hole is consistently named among the best in the world and has broken the heart of many a player. Often referred to as just “The Players”, the tournament is regarded as the fifth major thanks to one of the strongest fields in golf taking part.
