So, I kept hearing folks talk about the “majors” in golf. Sounded important, you know? Like the big ones everyone watches. But honestly, I didn’t have a clue which ones they were or why they mattered so much. Just sounded like fancy tournament names to me.
Decided I should probably figure this out. Couldn’t keep nodding along like I knew what was what. Fired up the computer, did some digging. Took a bit, sorting through all the different tournament names. Golf has a ton of events, turns out.
Figuring out the Big Four
Finally got it straight. There are four main ones they call the majors. Not five, not three. Four.
- The Masters: This one seemed pretty famous. It’s always at the same place, some course called Augusta National. Yeah, the one with the green jacket they give the winner. That stuck in my head. Happens in April usually.
- PGA Championship: Okay, another one. This one moves around to different courses, not fixed like The Masters. Used to be later in the year, but I think they moved it to May now? Keeps you on your toes.
- U.S. Open: Heard this one is set up to be super hard. Run by the USGA people. Also moves around the country. Usually in June, Father’s Day weekend often.
- The Open Championship: They sometimes call it the British Open over here, but seems like the official name is just “The Open”. Oldest one, played in the UK, usually on those links courses by the sea. That’s the July one.
Trying to Keep Track
Alright, so I had the list. Four tournaments, spread out from spring into summer. Seemed simple enough on paper.
Then I tried actually following them. Thing is, they’re spaced out. You kinda get into one, then there’s a gap, then the next one pops up. You gotta remember which one is coming up. And The Open, being in the UK, the times are all weird for watching live here. Waking up early or staying up late, that kind of thing.
It wasn’t like following a football season where it’s week after week. This felt more like separate big moments scattered through the year. Easy to forget one was happening if you weren’t paying attention.
So, What’s the Point?
After going through a cycle of them, I kinda get it now. It’s not just another golf tournament each time. There’s history, especially with The Masters and The Open. Different feels to each one. The courses change (except for Augusta), the style of play can be different.
Knowing the four majors makes watching golf a bit more interesting. Before, it was just guys hitting a white ball. Now, when one of these rolls around, I know it’s a bigger deal. I still don’t know every player or all the rules, not even close. But recognizing the names of these four events, knowing their basic spot in the year and what makes them unique… yeah, I feel a bit more clued in. It was a process, just figuring out this basic stuff, but glad I put in the little bit of effort.
