How Many Majors Has Tiger Woods Won? Golfer Chasing Jack Nicklaus’ Record

Tiger Woods is running out of time to set a record that once seemed inevitable. With 15 major championship wins in his career, the golfer is still three victories behind the all-time leader.

Golf legend Jack Nicklaus ranks first in PGA history with 18 major titles. Woods won his 14th championship in 2008, but he has since been victorious at only one of golf's major tournaments

Woods claimed his first major at age 21 by winning the 1997 Masters. It took him a little over a decade to get within four majors of Nicklaus’ mark, picking up championship No.14 at the 2008 U.S. Open.

In what became known as the “Tiger Slam,” Woods won four straight majors from 2000-2001. Starting with the 1999 PGA Championship and concluding with 2002 U.S. Open, Woods won an incredible seven majors in 11 tries. Woods claimed his 12th major and took sole possession of second place on the all-time list at 30 years old.

On pace to surpass Nicklaus and solidify his spot as the greatest golfer in history, Woods’ professional and personal life all fell apart at once. As his extramarital affairs became national news in late 2009, Woods’ golf game suffered.

Woods failed to finish better than fourth at any major tournament from 2010-2013. From 2014-2017, he didn’t compete in 10 of the 16 majors and only made the cut twice as he underwent four back surgeries.

Woods played in all four major tournaments in 2018. He finished in second place at the PGA Championship. In the most improbable victory of his career, Woods won the 2019 Masters. By doing so at 43 years old, Woods became the second-oldest golfer to win the green jacket in history.

Nicklaus set the record by winning the 1986 Masters as 46 years old.

In order to catch Nicklaus, Woods is going to have to defy Father Time. He turned 45 years old on Dec. 30, 2020. Only five golfers have won a major tournament after their 45th birthday.

Julius Boros became the oldest player to win a major when he took home the 1968 PGA championship at the age of 48. That mark still stands today.

Augusta National Golf Club is where Woods has experienced his most success with five wins. Woods has four PGA Championship victories. He has won the U.S. Open and The Open Championship three times each.

Woods didn't finish better than 37th place at any major tournament in 2020, possibly a sign that winning major No.16 is a long shot.