The golf tournaments on the men’s circuit date back to as old as 1860. The first-ever championship was the British Open, which is now played on 10 different tours. After almost 150 years, the dimensions of the game have evolved heavily. From three to four tournaments throughout the year, there are almost more than 50 championships every year. Of course, combining all the tours might just skyrocket the numbers all the more. Out of these, there are four Majors and eight signature events on the PGA Tour. Nonetheless, there are always favorites. Here are the top 5 tournaments in the history of men’s golf:
1. Masters Tournament
The Masters Tournament is hosted at the renowned Augusta National Golf Course every year during the first week in April. It is the first of the four Majors on the men’s circuit. Amateur golf champion Bobby Jones and investment banker Clifford Robert were the founders of the tournament.
It was first played in 1934 and is still an invitational event, which makes its field size smaller when compared to the other Major events. This year the American professional Scottie Scheffler bagged the prestigious trophy and the green jacket. The Masters is like an ongoing festival, starting from the Champion’s dinner to the Par-3 round and much more.
2. PGA Championship
The US PGA Championship is hosted right after the Masters in the line of the Major Championship somewhere around mid-August. Initially, it used to be the final major and took place during the week ahead of the Labor Day weekend. However, since 2019, it was shifted in the schedule.
The Major now comes in May on the weekend ahead of the Memorial Day. The PGA Championship also celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2018. This year, it was Xander Schauffele who bagged the win at the Valhalla Golf Course.
3. US Open
The US Open is an annual open national championship that is held in the US every year. It is the third major on the men’s circuit, and unlike the Masters, this does not have a fixed course that hosts it.
Thus, it takes place in a variety of courses. Like this year, the Pinehurst No. 2 was the course for the US Open. LIV Golfer Bryson Deachambeau bagged the win, defeating Rory McIlroy in the final round. It is generally hosted in mid-June every year.
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4. The Open
The Open Golf Championship, often referred to simply as “The Open,” stands as one of the most prestigious and storied tournaments in the world of golf. Established in 1860, it is the oldest of the four major championships and is renowned for its rich history and challenging links courses. Played annually in the United Kingdom, The Open features a unique blend of tradition and competition, with its iconic venues such as St Andrews, Royal Birkdale, and Royal Liverpool offering a stern test of skill and adaptability.
The championship attracts a global field of elite golfers who contend with the unpredictable weather and tough conditions typical of links golf. With its legacy of celebrating both emerging talent and seasoned champions, The Open remains a pinnacle event in the sport, deeply cherished by players and fans alike.
5. Ryder Cup
The Ryder Cup is an iconic golf competition that brings together the best players from the United States and Europe, held every two years and alternating between courses in the US and Europe. It was first played in 1927 at Worcester Country Club in Massachusetts.
The event features 12-member teams competing in five match-play sessions over three days, comprising four-ball and foursomes matches, followed by singles matches, with each match worth one point. The team reaching 14.5 points first wins, unless the score is tied at 14-14, in which case the defending champion retains the trophy.
