Jordan Spieth is a pro golfer with an impressive resume, including a Masters Green Jacket, a U.S. Open title, and a British Open title among his 13 PGA Tour wins. However, a PGA Championship victory has eluded him so far, making him one of the 12 golfers who have won three of the four legs of the men’s grand slam. With only five golfers having completed the career slam, Spieth could be next in line. As he prepares for the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla, Spieth remains focused on winning as many majors as possible, regardless of where they come from.
In the history of major championship golf, only five men have achieved a career Grand Slam, standing out among the 220-plus golfers who have won at least one major. Another 12 golfers have come close to a Grand Slam, winning three of the four majors but falling just short of the milestone. As the first major championship of the year approaches, let’s take a closer look at the golfers who have been on the cusp of a career Grand Slam and the challenges they faced in completing this prestigious accomplishment.
Jim Barnes, who won the 1916 and 1919 PGA Championship, the 1921 U.S. Open, and the 1925 Open Championship, never had the opportunity to compete in the Masters, as it began after his prime playing years. Similarly, Tommy Armour, with major victories in the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, and Open Championship, fell short at the Masters at the end of his career. Walter Hagen, a dominant force in major championships, missed out on the Masters, and Ben Hogan, who triumphed in multiple majors, never won the Open Championship, showcasing the challenges faced by even the greatest players in completing the career Grand Slam.
Sam Snead and Arnold Palmer also came close to achieving the career Grand Slam but fell short at the U.S. Open and the PGA Championship, respectively. Lee Trevino’s mastery in major championships was evenly spread across the U.S. Open, Open Championship, and PGA Championship, with the Masters being the elusive title for him. Raymond Floyd’s runner-up finish at the 1978 Open Championship denied him the career Grand Slam, while Tom Watson’s near misses at the PGA Championship haunted him throughout his career.
Phil Mickelson, a legendary golfer with six runner-up finishes at the U.S. Open, has yet to capture the elusive title, opening up opportunities for him to complete the career Grand Slam. Rory McIlroy, only needing a Masters title to achieve the Grand Slam, has faced close calls and increased pressure as he aims for the prestigious milestone. Jordan Spieth, another young talent, has faced struggles in recent years but remains determined to add to his major victories and potentially complete the career Grand Slam in the future.
As these golfers continue to compete at the highest level, the quest for the career Grand Slam remains a significant goal for many, showcasing the challenges and opportunities that come with competing in major championships. With each major tournament presenting a unique test of skill and endurance, the opportunity to join the exclusive group of golfers who have achieved this remarkable feat remains a motivating force for players like Jordan Spieth and others who strive for greatness on the course.
