Completion of Men’s Major Championship Season
The season for men’s major championships has concluded, sparking considerable discussion about the pursuit of the career Grand Slam.
Rory McIlroy’s Historic Achievement
After a 25-year wait, Rory McIlroy became the sixth golfer to achieve the career Grand Slam, winning at Augusta National in a playoff against Justin Rose. This victory marked his fifth major title—his first in over a decade—and closed a long and tumultuous journey filled with media attention and challenges.
Opportunities Missed
Although the following two major tournaments presented chances for players to complete the Grand Slam, neither Jordan Spieth at the PGA Championship nor Phil Mickelson at the U.S. Open advanced, both missing the cut. Their performances highlighted the difficulty of entering the elite club alongside names like Gene Sarazen and Tiger Woods.
Scottie Scheffler’s Recent Victory
Scottie Scheffler’s win at the recent British Open has reignited interest in the Grand Slam as attention now turns to the U.S. Open at Shinnecock next summer. During his post-tournament press conference, he acknowledged the significance of McIlroy’s accomplishment, calling it a tremendous career achievement.
Focus on Improvement
Scheffler pointed out that he doesn’t dwell too much on such milestones, preferring to focus on evaluating his performance after the Ryder Cup. As one of the 12 players who have won three of the four major championships, he will likely face similar questions about his path to achieving the Grand Slam until he secures a U.S. Open title.
List of Players with Three Major Wins
Here’s a recap of the players who have captured three of the four modern major championships but are yet to win the fourth, forming an interesting cohort in golf history.
Conclusion
As the golf world anticipates future tournaments, discussions about the Grand Slam will remain prevalent, keeping the stakes high for players like Scheffler and Spieth striving for their own historical achievements.
