Should there be a fifth Major?

Question

The TPC at Sawgrass is often called "The 5th Major", Why limit the number of majors to 4?

Answer 1

I would have no problem with one more major. The TPC actually gets the strongest field. I would prefer them add the fifth major then this playoff system they started last year, it is a joke. I would end the season with a major in October. That would keep the tour interesting for the entire season. Part of my problem (and I love golf) is that with football starting I lose interest toward the end of the year after the final major.

Answer 2

There are only 4 majors because the number 4 is considered as a lucky number. (same as number 7). Maybe it's lucky because there aren't bad weathers, the course is well-maintained and it's more well-organized than the other tournaments.

Answer 3

Maybe one reason is tradition and continuity in the sport.  The number of majors is one thing that still binds the old generation and the new generation of golfers together.  That's why Jack, Tiger, and the media seem to tie all- time greatness to the number of majors a person has won, because this comparison is probably one of the few measures of a great golfer that has remained consistent throughout the years.

Answer 4

The Grand Slam breakfast at Denny's only has 4 items for a reason.....

The number is 4, it has always been 4, and it will always be 4.

No amount of marketing or hype will change it....

Answer 5

Originally, the "Majors" were the US Open, the US Amateur, the British Open and the British Amateur.

The modern majors were suggested by Arnold Palmer during an interview on a plane flight from the Open In Britain. Palmer was at that time the "King" of golf, and his ideas stuck. That's all there is to it. If he had thought of five tournaments, then there would be five majors.

At various times, other tournaments have been considered Majors. During the 1920s for example, the Western Open was considered by many to be a "Major" as was the North-South. The Masters was by no means considered a "Major" until later.

There is no real rationale for one or the other tournaments being a major. Indeed, the PGA Championship may be the weak link in the system, since no amateurs -- no matter how good -- are invited. Bobby Jones never won a PGA because he never was allowed to play.

Today, it's been suggested that the Player's Championship might be a "fifth major," based on the quality of the field. The PGA Tour certainly would like it to be so, because they have no stake in any of the current four majors -- ironic because of their dominant status in tournament golf. The Masters is run by Augusta National, the US Open by the USGA, the British Open by the R&A and the PGA Championship by the PGA of America (not affiliated with the PGA Tour).

Answer 6

Majors wouldnt be "majors" if their were a bunch of them. It would take away the importance and validity of winning a major if their were a bunch of them.