Australian Major Winners: Celebrating Our Champions of Golf

From Jim Ferrier, Australia’s first major champion, to Cameron Smith, our most recent victor, Australian golfers have carved an impressive legacy on the global stage. Over the years, 16 Australian golfers have won 30 major championships, a testament to the nation’s deep love for the game and its remarkable talent pool.

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Women’s Major Champions

Karrie Webb – 7 Majors

• Victories:
  • du Maurier Classic (1999)
  • Kraft Nabisco Championship (2000, 2006)
  • US Women’s Open (2000, 2001)
  • LPGA Championship (2001)
  • Women’s British Open (2002)
• Interesting Fact:
  • Karrie Webb is one of only six female golfers to achieve the Career Grand Slam, and she holds the unique distinction of the Super Career Grand Slam, recognised by the LPGA for winning five events considered majors.

Jan Stephenson – 3 Majors

• Victories:
  • du Maurier Classic (1981)
  • LPGA Championship (1982)
  • US Women’s Open (1983)
• Interesting Fact:
  • Jan Stephenson was known for her glamorous image, which helped bring new fans to women’s golf and elevate its global profile.

Minjee Lee – 2 Majors

• Victories:
  • US Women’s Open (2022)
  • Evian Championship (2021)
• Interesting Fact:
  • Minjee Lee’s victory at the 2022 US Women’s Open came with a record $1.8 million winner’s cheque, the largest in women’s golf history.

Hannah Green – 1 Major

• Victory:
  • KPMG Women’s PGA Championship (2019)
• Interesting Fact:
  • Hannah Green was the first Australian woman to win a major since Karrie Webb’s last victory in 2006, breaking a 13-year drought.

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Men’s Major Champions

Peter Thomson – 5 Majors

• Victories:
  • The Open (1954, 1955, 1956, 1958, 1965)
• Interesting Fact:
  • Peter Thomson is one of only four golfers in history to win The Open three consecutive times, a feat he achieved from 1954 to 1956.

Greg Norman – 2 Majors

• Victories:
  • The Open (1986, 1993)
• Interesting Fact:
  • Known as "The Great White Shark," Norman was a global ambassador for golf and a dominant force, holding the world No. 1 ranking for a record 331 weeks.

David Graham – 2 Majors

• Victories:
  • PGA Championship (1979)
  • US Open (1981)
• Interesting Fact:
  • David Graham is one of only two Australians to win two different men’s major championships. His meticulous approach to the game earned him great respect.

Cameron Smith – 1 Major

• Victory:
  • The Open (2022)
• Interesting Fact:
  • Cameron Smith’s win at St. Andrews in 2022 was particularly special as he became the first Australian to win The Open since Greg Norman in 1993.

Jason Day – 1 Major

• Victory:
  • PGA Championship (2015)
• Interesting Fact:
  • Jason Day set a record for the lowest score relative to par (-20) in major championship history at the 2015 PGA Championship.

Adam Scott – 1 Major

• Victory:
  • The Masters (2013)
• Interesting Fact:
  • Adam Scott’s triumph at Augusta National marked the first time an Australian had won The Masters, fulfilling a long-standing dream for Aussie golf fans.

Geoff Ogilvy – 1 Major

• Victory:
  • US Open (2006)
• Interesting Fact:
  • Geoff Ogilvy’s gritty win at the 2006 US Open is remembered for his clutch performance down the stretch, securing victory by a single stroke.

Steve Elkington – 1 Major

• Victory:
  • PGA Championship (1995)
• Interesting Fact:
  • Steve Elkington is renowned for his picturesque swing, often hailed as one of the most technically perfect in golf history.

Ian Baker-Finch – 1 Major

• Victory:
  • The Open (1991)
• Interesting Fact:
  • Ian Baker-Finch’s spectacular final round at Royal Birkdale in 1991 remains one of the most memorable performances in Open Championship history.

Wayne Grady – 1 Major

• Victory:
  • PGA Championship (1990)
• Interesting Fact:
  • Grady is known for his consistency and precision, which were on full display during his commanding two-stroke win at Shoal Creek.

Kel Nagle – 1 Major

• Victory:
  • The Open (1960)
• Interesting Fact:
  • Kel Nagle’s win at St. Andrews in 1960 marked the 100th anniversary of The Open, a milestone moment in golf history.

Jim Ferrier – 1 Major

• Victory:
  • PGA Championship (1947)
• Interesting Fact:
  • Jim Ferrier was Australia’s first major champion and a trailblazer who paved the way for generations of Aussie golfers.

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Australian golfers continue to inspire fans with their resilience, skill, and remarkable achievements. From legends like Peter Thomson to modern stars like Cameron Smith and Minjee Lee, their legacy serves as a beacon for future champions.

Who will be the next Australian to join this prestigious list?