When it comes to legendary achievements in golf, few honors are more prestigious than the Grand Slam. But what does it actually mean?
The term “Grand Slam” in golf can refer to two different but equally monumental accomplishments:
- Calendar Grand Slam: Winning all four major championships in the same calendar year.
- Career Grand Slam: Winning each of the four majors at least once over the course of a career.
Let’s dive into the rare air of Grand Slam champions and explore who has come closest, who made history, and why it matters.
🏆 The One and Only Calendar Grand Slam: Bobby Jones
In 1930, Bobby Jones made history by completing the only true Grand Slam in golf history—though it looked a bit different back then.
🔹 He won all four major tournaments of his time:
- The Amateur Championship
- The Open Championship
- The U.S. Open
- The U.S. Amateur
This legendary run took place before the Masters Tournament existed. From 1923 to 1930, Jones racked up an incredible 13 major championships, setting a gold standard in golf.
🎯 What Is the Modern Career Grand Slam?
Today, the term Career Grand Slam refers to winning all four of the current major championships at least once:
- The Masters Tournament
- The U.S. Open
- The Open Championship (a.k.a. British Open)
- The PGA Championship
Only six players in history have achieved this ultimate goal in the modern era. Let’s take a look at these legends:
🔥 The Six Career Grand Slam Winners
1. Gene Sarazen – The Pioneer
✅ U.S. Open (1922)
✅ PGA Championship (1922, 1923)
✅ The Open Championship (1932)
✅ Masters (1935)
Sarazen was the first to complete the Career Grand Slam, just a year after the Masters began. He retired with 7 major titles.
2. Ben Hogan
One of the greatest ball-strikers ever, Hogan added his name to the Grand Slam list through sheer will and skill.
3. Gary Player
A global ambassador of the sport and the first international golfer to complete the Career Grand Slam.
4. Jack Nicklaus – The Record Holder
✅ 18 Major Titles (All-time record)
✅ Career Grand Slam completed
✅ Only golfer to win each major at least three times (“Triple Career Grand Slam”)
5. Tiger Woods – The Modern Icon
✅ Completed Grand Slam in 2000
✅ Won four consecutive majors spanning two seasons:
- 2000 U.S. Open
- 2000 Open
- 2000 PGA Championship
- 2001 Masters
✅ This run is famously known as the “Tiger Slam”
✅ Total Majors: 15
6. Rory McIlroy – The Latest Legend
✅ U.S. Open (2011)
✅ PGA Championship (2012, 2014)
✅ The Open (2014)
✅ Masters (2025) – Finally completed the Career Grand Slam in a dramatic playoff against Justin Rose.
After 16 attempts at Augusta, Rory’s emotional victory was one for the ages.
🥈 Almost There: Golfers Who Came Close
⛳ Arnold Palmer
The “King” never won the PGA Championship, finishing second three times.
⛳ Phil Mickelson
The U.S. Open has always eluded him—despite six runner-up finishes.
⛳ Jordan Spieth
Still chasing the PGA Championship, with his closest call in 2015 (runner-up). Spieth once described it as the “elephant in the room.”
🏁 Why the Career Grand Slam Matters
Winning a single major is impressive. Winning all four? That’s the stuff of legends.
The Career Grand Slam represents:
- Versatility across courses and continents
- Longevity in a highly competitive sport
- Mental toughness under extreme pressure
Only six men in the modern game have managed to win each of golf’s biggest trophies. Rory McIlroy’s 2025 Masters win wasn’t just a personal triumph—it was a powerful reminder of just how rare and revered the Grand Slam truly is.