A look back at a moment in time when the American golfer held all four major titles simultaneously.
14:56, 30 Dec 2025Updated 14:56, 30 Dec 2025
Tiger Woods of the USA holding the Claret Jug after his victory in the 2000 Open Championship held on the Old Course at St Andrews(Image: (Photo by Michael Joy/R&A/R&A via Getty Images))
Tiger Woods’ illustrious career has seen numerous high points, but the zenith was undoubtedly the 11-month period between 2000 and 2001 when he seemed invincible.
Here, we delve into how he achieved the ‘Tiger Slam’, holding all four major titles simultaneously, courtesy of the Press Association.
US OPEN (PEBBLE BEACH, JUNE 2000).
Woods had already showcased his prowess with two major wins, but his third victory at one of his favourite courses elevated his status even further. He finished 12 under par – a championship record at the time – and his winning margin of 15 strokes was the largest in any major, surpassing Old Tom Morris’s record (13) set way back in 1862.
“Records are great, but you don’t really pay attention to that. The only thing I know is I got the trophy sitting right next to me,” Woods said.
THE OPEN (ST ANDREWS, JULY 2000)
It was no coincidence the Tiger Slam was achieved on courses Woods had a liking for and St Andrews is another personal favourite. This victory, which completed his career grand slam, was more about strategy than the explosive power, for which he had become known, as Woods avoided going in any bunkers for all four rounds. In doing so he set an Old Course record of 19 under for 72 holes as he won by eight strokes. “It’s the ultimate. Having won the US Open and The Open is amazing. I’m fortunate to have achieved this feat so early in my career,” Woods said.
US PGA (VALHALLA, AUGUST 2000)
Things were a lot closer in Kentucky, although that did not stop Woods winning with a record-equalling championship record of 18 under. He held the lead or joint-led for the first three rounds but found himself needing to hole a six-foot putt at the 72nd hole to get into a play-off against Bob May. Woods’ experience told as he birdied the first extra hole and held that advantage over the remaining two additional holes. “To win three majors in a row doesn’t happen very often. It’s only happened, professional majors, to two guys, and I’m
one of them,” Woods said.
MASTERS (AUGUSTA, APRIL 2001)
Such had been his imperious form in the previous three majors, a Woods victory at Augusta was not only anticipated it was expected. An opening 70 left him five off the lead but he moved through the gears with rounds of 66 and 68 to head into the final round with a one-shot lead. Another round in the 60s saw him hold off the challenge of Phil Mickelson and David Duval to win by two. “To win four consecutive majors, if you look at my career, I don’t think I have ever accomplished anything this great,” Woods said.
Click here to sign up to our sport newsletter, bringing you the top stories and biggest headlines from Ireland and beyond
