In the vast green arenas of professional golf, where fortunes swing with every perfectly struck drive and every agonizing putt, there exists an achievement so rare, so challenging, that it defines true greatness: the Career Grand Slam. This isn`t merely about winning a single major championship—a feat many accomplished professionals never manage. No, this is about conquering all of them. It`s golf`s equivalent of a royal flush, a perfect attendance record in elite competition, and a passport to an exclusive club where membership numbers are counted on the fingers of just a few hands.
For male golfers, the path to immortality involves securing victories in the four iconic major championships: The Masters at Augusta National, the PGA Championship, the U.S. Open, and The Open Championship (often simply called the British Open). Each presents its unique set of challenges—from the hallowed traditions of Augusta to the unpredictable links of the Open. To claim all four requires an unparalleled blend of skill, mental fortitude, adaptability, and, perhaps, a touch of cosmic alignment.
The Illustrious Six: Men Who Conquered All
Historically, this pantheon has been remarkably small. Before 2025, only five men had managed this monumental task. Now, after his triumph at the 2025 Masters, Northern Ireland`s Rory McIlroy has joined this elite group, solidifying his legacy as one of the sport`s all-time greats. His journey, like those before him, was a testament to perseverance, especially given the intense scrutiny that accompanies such a prolonged pursuit.
Let`s cast a glance at the titans who paved the way:
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Gene Sarazen: The Pioneer (PGA 1922, U.S. Open 1922, Open 1932, Masters 1935)
The original Grand Slammer, Sarazen completed his set in 1935 with his dramatic double-eagle at the Masters. He proved that even in golf`s formative major era, a complete mastery of the game was achievable. A true trendsetter, long before it became a term for golf apparel. -
Ben Hogan: The Stoic Legend (PGA 1946, U.S. Open 1948, Masters 1951, Open 1953)
Known for his stoic demeanor and legendary ball-striking, Hogan`s Grand Slam was particularly remarkable given the severe injuries he sustained in a near-fatal car accident in 1949. His subsequent Open Championship victory in 1953, the final piece of his puzzle, is a tale of unparalleled grit. -
Gary Player: The Global Ambassador (Open 1959, Masters 1961, PGA 1962, U.S. Open 1965)
South Africa`s “Black Knight” was the first non-American to achieve the Grand Slam. His relentless pursuit of excellence across continents underscored his incredible fitness and dedication to the game. He collected majors as diligently as frequent flyer miles. -
Jack Nicklaus: The Golden Bear (U.S. Open 1962, Masters 1963, PGA 1963, Open 1966)
Widely considered the greatest golfer of all time, Nicklaus completed his initial Grand Slam relatively early in his career. He didn`t just win them; he collected them, eventually achieving the Grand Slam three times over, a feat of sheer dominance that remains untouched. -
Tiger Woods: The Modern Maestro (Masters 1997, PGA 1999, U.S. Open 2000, Open 2000)
Woods` completion of the Grand Slam was part of his “Tiger Slam” in 2000-2001, where he held all four major titles simultaneously – an unprecedented achievement in the modern era. His impact on the sport, and his pursuit of Nicklaus`s records, captivated a generation. -
Rory McIlroy: The Latest Inductee (U.S. Open 2011, PGA 2012, Open 2014, Masters 2025)
After years of anticipation and near misses at Augusta, McIlroy finally donned the green jacket in 2025, completing his set. His journey was a masterclass in resilience, turning past frustrations into ultimate triumph.
On the Cusp: Modern Contenders
The pursuit continues, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Scottie Scheffler, fresh off his 2025 Open Championship win, now needs only the U.S. Open to join this exclusive club. Similarly, Jordan Spieth awaits a PGA Championship, and the ever-charismatic Phil Mickelson still seeks that elusive U.S. Open title to complete his career major collection. The pressure is immense, the spotlight intense, but the reward is eternal.
Queens of the Greens: The LPGA Grand Slammers
The women`s game also boasts its own pantheon of Grand Slam champions, though the landscape of LPGA majors has evolved over time. Traditionally, the LPGA Career Grand Slam involved winning four specific major championships. However, with the addition of new majors, some players have achieved a “Super Career Grand Slam” by winning five distinct major titles. It`s a testament to adaptability, much like changing clubs mid-swing, but with far greater consequences.
Seven remarkable women have etched their names into golf history by achieving the LPGA Career Grand Slam:
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Louise Suggs (Western Open 1946, Titleholders Championship 1946, U.S. Open 1949, Women`s PGA Championship 1957)
A founding member of the LPGA, Suggs was a dominant force, collecting majors from the very dawn of the professional women`s tour. -
Mickey Wright (U.S. Open 1958, Women`s PGA Championship 1958, Titleholders Championship 1961, Western Open 1962)
Considered by many to be the greatest female golfer of all time, Wright`s 13 major titles speak volumes, including her career Grand Slam. -
Pat Bradley (du Maurier Classic 1980, U.S. Open 1981, Chevron Championship 1986, Women`s PGA Championship 1986)
Bradley`s 1986 season, where she won three majors, including the two that completed her Grand Slam, was one of the most dominant in LPGA history. -
Juli Inkster (Chevron Championship 1984, du Maurier Classic 1984, U.S. Open 1999, Women`s PGA Championship 1999)
Inkster`s Grand Slam was a testament to her longevity, bridging different eras of women`s golf with her consistent excellence. -
Karrie Webb: The Super Slammer (du Maurier Classic 1999, Chevron Championship 2000, U.S. Open 2000, Women`s PGA Championship 2001, Women`s Open 2002)
The only LPGA golfer to achieve the “Super Career Grand Slam” by winning five different majors, Webb`s dominance in the early 2000s was simply extraordinary. -
Annika Sorenstam (U.S. Open 1995, Chevron Championship 2001, Women`s PGA Championship 2003, Women`s Open 2003)
A transcendent figure in women`s golf, Sorenstam`s methodical approach and powerful game led her to numerous major titles and a well-deserved Grand Slam. -
Inbee Park (U.S. Open 2008, Chevron Championship 2013, Women`s PGA Championship 2013, Women`s Open 2015)
Park`s calm demeanor belied her fierce competitiveness, allowing her to systematically collect majors and complete her Grand Slam with remarkable precision.
Nearly There: Women Chasing History
As in the men`s game, the pursuit of the Grand Slam continues to captivate. Lydia Ko, Anna Nordqvist, and In Gee Chun are all just one major victory away from joining this distinguished circle, carrying the hopes of their fans and the weight of history on their shoulders.
The Enduring Allure of the Grand Slam
The Career Grand Slam is more than just a collection of trophies; it`s a narrative of mastery, resilience, and unwavering dedication.
It represents a golfer`s ability to adapt to varying course conditions, pressure-cooker situations, and the ever-present challenge of golf`s mental game. For fans, it`s a definitive benchmark, a way to distinguish the truly exceptional from the merely excellent. It`s a journey not many embark on, and fewer still complete, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of golf history and serving as a perpetual beacon of aspiration for future generations. This is not merely winning; this is conquering, establishing a legacy that resonates far beyond the final putt.
