Ask any golfer or fan which is the best major championship in golf, and you’ll likely get four different answers. Some swear nothing matches the tradition of Augusta National. Others argue that only the toughest test should earn that title. A few believe history alone decides it, while modern fans may favor competitiveness and drama.
The truth is simple: there is no single correct answer. Each of the 4 golf major championships offers something unique — prestige, difficulty, atmosphere, legacy, or pure entertainment. What makes one major “the best” depends on what you value most as a player, fan, or historian.
In this guide, we’ll fairly compare all four majors — The Masters, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and the PGA Championship — using clear criteria like history, course design, difficulty, fan appeal, and player opinion. By the end, you’ll have a reasoned verdict — and likely a favorite of your own.
How We Judge “Best” — Criteria That Matter
To decide the best major championship in golf, we evaluate each event using the same standards:
Prestige & History
How long the championship has existed and how deeply it’s woven into golf tradition.
Course Uniqueness & Tradition
Whether the venues feel iconic, distinctive, and culturally important.
Difficulty & Fairness
Does the major test every part of a golfer’s game without crossing into unfair setups?
Field Strength & Competitiveness
How strong and deep the field is from top to bottom.
Spectacle & Viewer Appeal
TV presentation, drama, storylines, and fan engagement.
Memorability & Iconic Moments
Does the championship consistently deliver moments people remember for decades?
Player Preference & Legacy
How much winning this major matters to a player’s career and reputation.
Using these criteria allows a balanced comparison rather than a biased opinion. This approach helps us fairly rank the 4 golf major championships instead of relying on subjective impressions.
The Masters — Why Many Call It the Best
Quick Facts & History
Founded in 1934, The Masters is played every April at Augusta National Golf Club. The Green Jacket, Champions Dinner, and strict traditions make it unlike any other tournament in sports.
Why Fans Love It
The Masters is the only major played on the same course every year, which builds emotional connection and familiarity. Fans know every hole, every slope, and every historic shot. From Jack Nicklaus’ 1986 comeback to Tiger Woods’ iconic wins, Augusta creates unforgettable moments.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strengths: unmatched prestige, timeless tradition, global recognition.
- Weaknesses: smaller, invitational field and limited course variety.
For many, this blend of history and symbolism alone makes it a standout among the 4 golf major championships.
U.S. Open — The Toughest Test
Quick Facts & Mission
Organized by the USGA, the U.S. Open was designed to identify the best overall golfer, not just the best scorer.
Why It’s Praised for Difficulty
Narrow fairways, thick rough, firm greens, and brutal setups reward accuracy, patience, and mental strength. Players must rely on elite Golf putting techniques, precise iron play, and disciplined course management.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strengths: pure test of skill, credibility, fairness under pressure.
- Weaknesses: extreme difficulty can reduce excitement for casual viewers.
Classic venues like Oakmont and Pebble Beach reinforce why many pros call it golf’s hardest major — a critical distinction among the 4 golf major championships.
The Open Championship — The Historic & Atmospheric Pick
Quick Facts
Founded in 1860, The Open is golf’s oldest major and is played on rotating links courses, including St Andrews.
Why Purists Love It
Links golf demands creativity. Wind, firm turf, and uneven lies mean no two rounds play the same. Shot-making, imagination, and adaptability define success — supported by smart Short putting tips to handle fast, unpredictable greens.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strengths: unmatched history, authentic golf, global heritage.
- Weaknesses: weather can frustrate modern viewers.
For lovers of tradition and strategy, this major often feels like the soul of the game, standing out uniquely among the 4 golf major championships.
PGA Championship — The Modern Powerhouse
Quick Facts
Run by the PGA of America, this major features the deepest field, with nearly all top-ranked players competing.
Why Players Respect It
Winning requires beating the strongest competition. Modern venues emphasize athleticism, distance, and precision — supported by advanced Golf putting drills and high-pressure scoring.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strengths: elite competition, excitement, strong modern identity.
- Weaknesses: lacks the historic aura of other majors.
Though often ranked fourth by fans, players value it highly among the 4 golf major championships.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Major | Prestige | Difficulty | Tradition | Fan Appeal | Best For |
Masters | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | Tradition lovers |
U.S. Open | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | Purists & grinders |
The Open | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | Golf historians |
PGA | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | Competitive fans |
Scores reflect balance of history, challenge, and experience — helping evaluate all 4 golf major championships objectively.
Player vs Fan vs Historian
Your “best” major depends on perspective:
- Fans: Pageantry and drama → The Masters
- Players: Hardest test → U.S. Open
- Historians: Legacy and tradition → The Open
- Modern competitors: Strongest field → PGA Championship
Conclusion
So, which is the best major championship in golf?
There’s no universal winner, but clear distinctions exist among the 4 golf major championships:
- Most prestigious & popular: The Masters
- Most brutally testing: U.S. Open
- Most historic & romantic: The Open Championship
- Strongest field: PGA Championship
If forced to choose one overall, The Masters often earns the title due to its unmatched tradition, consistency, and cultural impact. Still, each major defines greatness in its own way — and together, they shape golf’s highest standard.
FAQs
Which major is the most prestigious?
The Masters is widely viewed as the most prestigious due to its traditions and exclusivity.
Which major is the hardest to win?
The U.S. Open, because of its demanding course setups and narrow margins.
Is the Masters the most important major?
Culturally and commercially, yes — though competitive value varies by perspective.
Why is The Open called the British Open?
Outside the UK, it’s used for clarity, though officially it’s simply “The Open Championship.”
Which major should I attend first?
The Masters for atmosphere, The Open for history, or the PGA for modern excitement.
