The four majors in golf are the most prestigious events on the calendar and whilst they don’t necessarily carry the most prize money, they are the tournaments that every player dreams of winning.
The first major of the year is the Masters Tournament which takes place in April at the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. This was first played in 1934, with the winners presented with a green jacket by the previous year’s champion.
Next in the schedule currently, playing in May, is the PGA Championship or US PGA. This was inaugurated in 1916 and is organised by the Professional Golfers’ Association of America. US PGA winners get to lift the huge Rodman Wanamaker Trophy which is named after the organisation’s founder.
June brings the second oldest major in the U.S. Open which was first played in 1895 at Newport Country Club in Rhode Island. This tournament is run by the United States Golf Association which has its headquarters in New Jersey.
Last but not least is the Open Championship which takes place in July. Established in 1860 this is the oldest of the four majors. Ten links courses from England, Scotland and Northern Ireland rotate hosting duties with the Old Course at St Andrews the most frequently used. Winners are awarded the Golf Champion Trophy, more commonly known as the Claret Jug.