Winning one major usually defines a PGA Tour career.
For the greatest player of all time, Tiger has 14 more (and hopefully even more). If you’ve had the chance to watch Tiger win any of his 15 major tournaments, you know each one is something special.
At one point in the early 2000s, it looked like he would easily surpass Jack’s total of 18 majors. But countless injuries, surgeries, and personal issues led to him not winning a major for 11 years.
Luckily, he got number 15 in 2019 at the Masters and we’re hopeful for more. Let’s break down some of his most impressive statistics from his historic majors.
1997 Masters
Let’s start with his first major title that happened in 1997. At the time, Tiger was just a skinny young kid who wasn’t on anyone’s radar to win the green jacket.
But he won and did it in a compelling fashion.
Tiger went on to win his first major title by 12 strokes over Tom Kite and become the youngest champion ever. Not to mention, he set the record for the largest margin of victory as well.
What’s even more impressive is that he shot a 40 on the first nine holes of the event. Fortunately, a 30 on the back nine helped him catch fire and easily win the event by Sunday afternoon.
Imagine winning your first major at Augusta by 12 shots – that is a tough act to follow that up!
2000 US Open
A few years later at the iconic Pebble Beach golf course, Tiger put on a show once again. He outdid himself, even by Tiger standards by winning by 15 (yes, 15) shots!
What’s most impressive about this victory is that the rest of the field got owned by Pebble Beach. In fact, Tiger was the only one under par (-12) while the runners-up finished at +3.
The best part is that even though Tiger was lapping the field heading into Sunday, he still put on a clinic. He didn’t throw in the towel and instead, shot a bogey free 67 to cap off an epic week.
This was the start of something great in the 2000-2001 season.
2000 British Open and PGA Championship
After winning the US Open in epic fashion, Tiger backed it up with two more major titles in a row. He won the 2000 British Open by 8 shots and finished at -19 under, the lowest in golf history at that time.
He also won the 2000 PGA Championship, beating Bob May in a 3-hole playoff. Winning three majors in one year is something that we’ll likely never see again.
An unreal performance and a season that showed Tiger’s dominance over everyone else on the PGA Tour.
2001 Masters (The Tiger Slam)
To cap off an epic year, Tiger won the 2001 Masters to complete the “Tiger Slam” as well.
He was in possession of all four major trophies at once, something the golf world never even thought possible. His 2000-2001 season was some of the best golf ever witnessed and still can’t believe he held all four major trophies at once.
2005 Masters
Tiger earned his fourth green jacket at the 2005 Masters, which is nearly impossible. He joined the elite company of Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer with his victory and once again, did it in epic fashion.
His chip in on the 16th hole on Sunday will go down as one of the greatest (and most clutch) shots of all time.
2008 US Open
The 2008 US Open might go down in history as the greatest performance in all sports, not just golf. Tiger won the event on basically a broken leg and was able to go the distance for 91 holes with Rocco Mediate.
His clutch putt on the playoff hole sealed the deal and I can fist pump just thinking about it!
2019 Masters
Capping off some of the GOAT’s craziest moments in majors, we have to include Tiger winning the 2019 Masters. After 11 long years, he broke his major drought to win his fifth green jacket.
Even though it wasn’t a dominant performance like 1997, it might be the best to watch. It’s one of the greatest sports comebacks ever at 43-years old.
Hopefully, we get to witness even more in the future.
What’s your favorite moment from Tiger’s major victories?
Make sure to let us know in the comments below!
Written by Michael Leonard.
