Exploring golf’s unique major tournaments: what makes them so special?

Golf’s four major events are the highlights in the golfing calender every year and that is just the way it is – and we love it.

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Every golfer dreams of winning golf’s major tournaments since they form the hardest test for players. In golf, there are four important competitions which have unique history, challenges, and traditions. Whether you’re a casual fan or a diehard golfer, there’s something special about these tournaments that make them unforgettable.

The four majors: a quick overview

In professional golf, the big four tournaments are:

  • The Masters Tournament
  • The U.S. Open
  • The Open Championship
  • The PGA Championship

Every event has its unique mark and importance. It is understandable why people consider the champions of these competitions as the most skilled athletes globally.

Why these tournaments matter

Beyond golf itself, these major tournaments are a huge deal for fans. They attract people from all over the world and are part of what makes golf such a global sport. Whether it’s the drama of the final putt or the excitement of a close finish, these tournaments bring out the best in players—and in the fans who follow them.

Of course, these events also attract attention from sports fans who enjoy betting on the outcomes. With the right platform powered by the complete iGaming solutions, enthusiasts can elevate their experience by engaging in a variety of betting options. While golf’s majors are about the skill of the players, the excitement around who’s going to win and how the tournament will unfold makes them even more thrilling.

The Masters: tradition and prestige

Masters - Green jacket Answers
(Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)

The Masters, held every April at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, is arguably the most famous golf tournament. It’s known for its exclusive invite-only field, which means only the top players get to compete. The history behind the Masters is what makes it so special—the tournament started in 1934, and it has some of the most iconic traditions, like awarding the winner the Green Jacket.

Augusta National is different from others because it is very attractive. The golf course is taken care of very well; it has green and beautiful fairways with difficult putting greens that are able to test the skills of any top-class golfer. To win at this place is a great achievement that most golfers wish they could accomplish in their lives.

The U.S. Open: the ultimate test of skill

The US open is famous for its difficulty. The tournament is held on various courses across the USA and is a tough challenge – the toughest probably. Golf courses which host the US Open are usually designed so that they can assess every aspect of a player’s skills, posing a lot of challenges to them. These courses are unforgiving, containing tight fairways, plush rough, and quick greens. It requires accuracy and calmness because every shot matters.

The event has been around since 1895 and has given us some of golf’s most exciting finishes. Winning the US Open isn’t just about being a good golfer—it’s about handling pressure, staying consistent, and overcoming the course’s challenges.

2025 US Open at Oakmont logo

The Open Championship: a rich history and unique conditions

The oldest major is the Open Championship which began in 1860. This tournament occurs on several links courses found across the UK and it differs greatly from other similar competitions. Within this event, it is common to experience changing conditions characterized by high wind and rain that may determine how the tournament unfolds. Generally, the golf course is flat with many hazards, but there are also challenging roughs, which may spoil everything.

The Open Championship is known for its rich history and the fact that it’s open to a wide range of players from all over the world. Many golfers consider this tournament a true test of their skills, as they have to adapt to the challenging conditions of the British links courses.

Shane Lowry of Ireland celebrates following his victory during the final round of the 148th Open Championship held on the Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush Golf Club (Ross Kinnaird/R&A/R&A via Getty Images)

The PGA Championship: a strong finish to the season

The PGA Championship is the last among the four majors, is typically held in the United States and this tournament is considered as one of the most important ones in golf. Since 2019, it is played in May on the weekend before Memorial Day, with the courses selected being challenging and the competition fierce.

The PGA Championship is unique because it allows professional golf players who belong to the PGA of America, and this makes a combination of top players and young ones. Although different in age from other games, this contest remains among the most difficult and interesting throughout the annual golf tournaments.

Major golf tournaments are not only contests because they signify the objectives of all golf players and an amusement for each follower. There is some uniqueness in each of these events such as: gathering the best athletes, long story that it carries behind, and unforgettable experiences that create a spectacle out of golf.

Updated: April 9, 2025