Record-Breaking Major Appearances: Top Golfers Who Dominated Golf's Biggest Stage
Golf's most prolific Major appearance holders have set remarkable records in both men's and women's competitions. Jack Nicklaus leads the men with 164 Major appearances between 1957 and 2005, during which he won 18 titles. Gary Player follows with 150 appearances and nine victories, while Tom Watson made 145 appearances with eight wins.
For the women, Juli Inkster tops the list with 137 Major appearances between 1978 and 2020, capturing seven titles. Laura Davies follows with 133 appearances, concluding at the 2023 AIG Women's Open. Cristie Kerr accumulated 109 starts with two Major victories.
Jack Nicklaus and Karrie Webb golfing
Most consecutive Major appearances:
- Men: Jack Nicklaus holds the record with 146 consecutive starts (1962-1998)
- Women: Angela Stanford achieved 98 consecutive appearances
- Current active streak: Adam Scott with 93 consecutive Majors since 2001
Jack Nicklaus' final Major appearance came at the 2005 Open
Notable achievements:
- 18 men have reached 100+ Major appearances
- Bernhard Langer will make his 112th and final Major appearance at the 2025 Masters
- Phil Mickelson ranks sixth all-time with 126 appearances
- Karrie Webb reached exactly 100 Major appearances
Juli Inkster made 137 Majors appearances
Laura Davies' appearance at the 2023 AIG Women's Open was her 133rd in a Major