The Career Grand Slam in Golf: A Journey to Immortality

The concept of a “Grand Slam” originated in tennis, referring to winning all four major tournaments in a calendar year. In golf, however, the term takes on a slightly different, yet equally profound meaning: it signifies winning each of the sport`s designated major championships at any point in a player`s career. It’s a cumulative feat, often taking years, even decades, to accomplish, distinguishing true legends from mere champions.

The Men`s Elite: A Sacred Six

For men`s professional golf, the Career Grand Slam comprises victory in the Masters Tournament, the PGA Championship, the U.S. Open, and The Open Championship (often known as the British Open). These four tournaments represent the pinnacle of the sport, each with its unique heritage, course demands, and competitive pressure. As of 2025, only six men have ever completed this monumental quadfecta, a statistic that underscores its rarity and difficulty.

Gene Sarazen: The Original Slammer

In 1935, Gene Sarazen, known for his innovation (including the modern sand wedge) and fierce competitiveness, became the first man to complete the Career Grand Slam. His victory at the Masters that year, famously sealed with a “shot heard `round the world” (a double eagle on the 15th hole), solidified his place in history. Sarazen’s achievement set a benchmark that would stand for decades, proving that comprehensive dominance across all major formats was indeed possible.

• U.S. Open: 1922
• PGA Championship: 1922
• The Open Championship: 1932
• Masters: 1935

Ben Hogan: The Unyielding Champion

Decades later, Ben Hogan, renowned for his rigorous practice regimen and unparalleled ball-striking, joined Sarazen. Hogan’s journey was marked by a devastating car accident in 1949 that nearly ended his life, let alone his career. His resilience saw him return to win five more majors, completing his Career Grand Slam with a victory at The Open Championship in 1953. Hogan’s story is a powerful narrative of triumph over adversity, making his Grand Slam all the more mythical.

• PGA Championship: 1946
• U.S. Open: 1948
• Masters: 1951
• The Open Championship: 1953

Gary Player: The International Icon

The first non-American to achieve the feat, South Africa`s Gary Player completed his Grand Slam at the 1965 U.S. Open. Player’s global impact on golf was immense, traveling tirelessly to compete worldwide. His inclusion in this exclusive club highlighted the sport’s expanding international appeal and the universal standards required to conquer its toughest tests. Player`s dedication and fitness were ahead of his time, proving that raw talent combined with meticulous preparation could yield extraordinary results.

• The Open Championship: 1959
• Masters: 1961
• PGA Championship: 1962
• U.S. Open: 1965

Jack Nicklaus: The Golden Standard

Widely considered the greatest golfer of all time, Jack Nicklaus completed his Career Grand Slam at The Open Championship in 1966. Nicklaus didn`t just win them; he dominated, becoming the first player to complete the Grand Slam multiple times (a “triple Grand Slam,” having won each major at least three times). His consistency, strategic brilliance, and unparalleled major championship record set a benchmark that remains unchallenged. When golf historians speak of greatness, Nicklaus`s name inevitably leads the conversation.

• U.S. Open: 1962
• Masters: 1963
• PGA Championship: 1963
• The Open Championship: 1966

Tiger Woods: The Modern Master

Tiger Woods redefined golf in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. He completed his Career Grand Slam with a victory at The Open Championship in 2000, becoming the youngest player to do so at 24 years old. This achievement was part of his legendary “Tiger Slam,” where he held all four major titles simultaneously across 2000-2001, though not in a single calendar year. Woods`s athleticism, mental fortitude, and sheer dominance brought golf to a new level of popularity, making his Grand Slam a cornerstone of his iconic legacy.

• Masters: 1997
• PGA Championship: 1999
• U.S. Open: 2000
• The Open Championship: 2000

Rory McIlroy: The Latest Addition

In 2025, Northern Ireland`s Rory McIlroy joined this hallowed company with his long-awaited victory at the Masters. Having won the U.S. Open (2011), PGA Championship (2012), and The Open Championship (2014) relatively early in his career, the Masters remained the elusive piece of his puzzle. His triumph at Augusta National finally completed his set, cementing his status as one of golf`s modern greats and proving that patience, persistence, and perhaps a touch of Irish luck, eventually pay off.

• U.S. Open: 2011
• PGA Championship: 2012
• The Open Championship: 2014
• Masters: 2025

Knocking on the Door: The Next Generation?

The allure of the Career Grand Slam continues to motivate golf`s current stars. Scottie Scheffler, with his recent Open Championship win in 2025, now needs only the U.S. Open to complete his set. Jordan Spieth requires the PGA Championship, while Phil Mickelson, a legend in his own right, is just missing the U.S. Open. The pursuit of this ultimate achievement adds a compelling narrative to every major tournament, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

The Women`s Game: A Different Grand Slam Path

The landscape of women`s major championships has evolved more significantly over time than the men`s, with different tournaments gaining and losing major status. However, the spirit of the Career Grand Slam remains: to win the designated four (or sometimes five) major championships of one`s era. Seven LPGA golfers have achieved this prestigious feat, with one reaching a “Super Career Grand Slam” by winning five distinct majors.

Louise Suggs: A Founding Mother`s Triumph

One of the LPGA`s founding members, Louise Suggs was among the earliest women to complete her Grand Slam, collecting majors from 1946 to 1957 across tournaments like the Western Open, Titleholders Championship, U.S. Women`s Open, and Women`s PGA Championship. Her early dominance laid a foundational stone for women`s professional golf.

• Western Open: 1946
• Titleholders Championship: 1946
• U.S. Open: 1949
• Women`s PGA Championship: 1957

Mickey Wright: Unparalleled Dominance

Mickey Wright, often cited as one of the greatest female golfers of all time, completed her Grand Slam in 1962. Her impressive record includes an incredible 13 major titles overall. Wright`s powerful swing and consistent performance made her a formidable competitor throughout her career, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

• U.S. Open: 1958
• Women`s PGA Championship: 1958
• Titleholders Championship: 1961
• Western Open: 1962

Pat Bradley: A Late Bloomer`s Legacy

Pat Bradley’s Career Grand Slam spanned from 1980 to 1986, showcasing her enduring talent and ability to perform under pressure. Her victories included the du Maurier Classic, U.S. Women`s Open, Nabisco Dinah Shore (now Chevron Championship), and the Women`s PGA Championship. Bradley`s career was a testament to perseverance, peaking in the mid-80s.

• du Maurier Classic: 1980
• U.S. Open: 1981
• Chevron Championship (Nabisco Dinah Shore): 1986
• Women`s PGA Championship: 1986

Juli Inkster: Consistent Excellence

Juli Inkster joined the Grand Slam club in 1999. Her career was defined by remarkable longevity and a consistent ability to contend at the highest level. Winning the Nabisco Dinah Shore (Chevron Championship), du Maurier Classic, U.S. Women`s Open, and Women`s PGA Championship, Inkster embodied the professional standard for decades.

• Chevron Championship (Nabisco Dinah Shore): 1984
• du Maurier Classic: 1984
• U.S. Open: 1999
• Women`s PGA Championship: 1999

Karrie Webb: The Super Slammer

Australia’s Karrie Webb is unique, having achieved not just a Career Grand Slam but a “Super Career Grand Slam” by winning five different majors. Her final major for the “traditional” slam came in 2000, but her victory at the Women`s Open in 2002 secured her a fifth unique major title. Webb`s powerful play and consistent major wins marked her as a dominant force in her era.

• du Maurier Classic: 1999
• Chevron Championship (Nabisco Championship): 2000
• U.S. Open: 2000
• Women`s PGA Championship: 2001
• Women`s Open: 2002

Annika Sorenstam: A Global Phenomenon

Annika Sorenstam, arguably the greatest female golfer of the modern era, completed her Career Grand Slam in 2003. The Swedish sensation’s precision and calm demeanor led her to win the U.S. Women`s Open, Chevron Championship, Women`s PGA Championship, and Women`s Open. Her era of dominance inspired a generation of golfers worldwide.

• U.S. Open: 1995
• Chevron Championship (Nabisco Championship): 2001
• Women`s PGA Championship: 2003
• Women`s Open: 2003

Inbee Park: The Modern Architect

South Korea’s Inbee Park completed her Career Grand Slam in 2015, becoming the youngest woman to do so. What`s more, she achieved a significant portion of this feat during a period when five majors were recognized by the LPGA, effectively winning four current majors. Park`s exquisite putting touch and strategic brilliance propelled her to multiple major victories, solidifying her place among the game`s elite.

• U.S. Open: 2008
• Chevron Championship (Kraft Nabisco Championship): 2013
• Women`s PGA Championship: 2013
• Women`s Open: 2015

On the Cusp: The Aspiring Legends

Just like their male counterparts, several LPGA stars are within reach of the Career Grand Slam. Lydia Ko, Anna Nordqvist, and In Gee Chun are each one major away from joining this distinguished list. Their pursuit adds another layer of excitement to women`s major championships, as fans eagerly await who will be the next to achieve golf`s ultimate set.