All golf fans around the globe have heard the names PGA Tour and Masters as well as Open and St. Andrews. But, did you wonder which tour or tournament is most prestigious? The Ryder Cup and the PGA Tour are the two majors I’ll be discussing in this article.
There are two main Golf Tours: the American PGA Tour or the European Tour. The International Federation of PGA Tours organizes and manages both these tours, as well as the lesser-known Japan Golf Tour and Asian Tour and PGA Tour of Australasia. Golf has a prestigious and lucrative competition that is open to both older players as well as those who are younger. While professional golfers older than 50 can play on the U.S.-based Champions Tour (or the European Challenge Tour), promising youngsters are able to play on either the American Nationwide Tour and the European Challenge Tour. Both are development tours for the PGA or European Tour.
Participating golfers can earn points towards the Official World Golf Rankings. The current leader is the American Tiger Woods. This ranking was created in 1986 by Bernhard Langer, a German legend. Golf’s number one spot has been occupied by more than twelve players. The ranking has been dominated by Tiger Woods since 1997. There were brief interruptions by Ernie Els, David Duval, and, most importantly, Vijay Singh.
The Majors are the most anticipated annual events in Golf. The Masters is the first Major in the season. This renowned event takes place at Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia. It was established in 1934. The U.S. Open and The Open Championship in The U.K are the other Majors. The Majors, which are opposed to The Masters in the U.S. and U.K., are played at different Golf Clubs across the U.S. and U.K. They all promise fame and fortune as well as valuable World Golf Ranking points for the winner.
American Jack Nicklaus was the most successful golfer in history, winning 18 Majors over his entire career. Tiger, with 14 Major wins to his name to date, is likely to surpass this remarkable achievement. He is also the only golfer in recent history who has held all four Major titles simultaneously. A Career Grand Slam is a designation that only 5 golfers have ever won the four major titles.
The Ryder Cup is another highlight of the golfing calendar. Samuel Ryder, a British Entrepreneur, presented the trophy to all winners in the Ryder Cup match since 1927. This competition used to be played between American golfers and Great Britain-Ireland players in the early years. All European golfers are eligible to be selected since 1979. Ryder Cup matches are held over three days, consisting of 28 matches. They alternate between Europe and the U.S. biennially.
Last but not the least, let me mention St. Andrews in Scotland. St. Andrews has been home to golf since at least the 15th century. The seven magnificent St. Andrews Links Golf Courses are some of its most popular and well-loved. A second landmark, the Royal and Ancient Golf Clubs of St. Andrews is one of two golf rule makers.