Golf is currently ranked the 10th position with approximately 450 million fans globally according to World Atlas, it is obviously a sport that has come to stay. Although, it may not have the thrilling vibes that come with Soccer, Rugby, Track and Field, etc but it has its prestigious touch.
However, when it comes to golf there are certain events that sets it apart from other sports, thereby depicting its uniqueness.
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Just like Soccer has the World Cup, UEFA Champions league, English Premier league etc; Lawn Tennis– Wimbledon, French Open etc, so also Golf has its own.
Hence, the purpose of this article which will showcase the highly ranked Golf Tourneys that take place annually.
THE LIST
Masters Tournament/ U.S Masters: It is the top on this list and it has showcased the athleticism of golfers such as Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Andrew Palmer etc. It began in 1932 and it is the oldest and longest running competition in the world of golf.
It is usually held at the Augusta National Golf Club in U.S.A annually. Its first ever winner was Horton Smith who won $1,500 at the time. With over 80 decades, the prize money has increased exponentially as in 2019, Tiger Woods took home $2.07m for winning the tournament.
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Since 1949, the winners have always been awarded a green jacket which they usually return to the clubhouse after one year of reigning as the champion. The highest winner of the U.S Masters is Jack Nicklaus with 6 championships.
U.S Open: Out of the 4 golf grand slams, this is the second biggest tournament. It is often held at the United States Golf Association around mid-June. It began in 1895. Its first edition was won by Horace Rawlins, who won the $150 top prize and $50 gold medal.
As at 2020, the prize money was $2.25m, and it was won by Bryson DeChambeau, out of the $12.5m pool money for that year’s edition.
The highest winners of this tournament are Willie Anderson of Scotland, Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, and Jack Nicklaus, all of whom have won it 4 times.
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British Open/ The Open/ The Open Championship: It was established in 1860. It is the 3rd biggest golf tournament globally. It is the only major championship held outside the United States. The winner of this event is always give The Claret Jug, which is normally the Golf Champion Trophy.
Harry Vadon has the most wins (6 championships). The youngest winner is Tom Morris, who won it in 1868, at the age of 17.
PGA Tour: Established in 1929. It is one of the longest and most competitive tourneys. It is the collection of the most prestigious golf tournament worldwide. The tournaments are held on different days and at different locations.
Excluding the Olympic Gold Competition, the 2020/2021 season sees the official PGA Tour include 50 FedEx Cup tournaments. Aside from the huge cash prizes to be won, special awards such as Nicklaus Player of the Year Award, Arnold Palmer Rookie of the Year Award, and Lifetime Achievement Award are presented to exceptional participants. For the 2020/202 season, the prize money was $15m.
Sam Snead and Tiger Woods have the highest wins of 82 championships.
However, there are other golf tournaments which follow this big 4 (Golf Grand Slams) such as PGA Championship, Ryder Cup Solheim Cup, AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, The Player’s Championship and U.S Women’s Open. All of these golf events are the best to look out for in the world of golf and they have the mouthwatering cash prizes
