What makes a major a major?

[fundonny]

Just curious, as I'm watching the Senior PGA Championship... What, to you, makes a major a M A J O R?

["Richard"]

the title

[jonf]

The fact you will be remembered - for good or for bad.

[fundonny]

But why thotho? Some tournaments are just as old, have a richer history, have a bigger purse, have a stronger field.

["Richard"]

other than the TPC and Wachovia who has a better field?

[fundonny]

That's two right there.

["Richard"]

But many people say the TPC is the 5th major and wachovia has a huge purse because they are a bank. Every tour player wants to play there before they get mercedez cars to drive while they are there, caddies park with the players, director chairs on the range so they can sit for a bit, food tents everywhere. They say its the best run tourney in golf.. they are so far ahead that everyone wants to play there. I read somewhere that they FLEW all the wives out somewhere for a spa day and lunch!

The pruse can't make a major, neither can the field because these guys just chace the money... so I guess it has to be history

[fundonny]

HEY, the Senior PGA is in HIGH DEF!!!!!!!!!! Giddy up!!!!!!

[Sakuraba]

other than the TPC and Wachovia who has a better field?

I thought the majors had the best fields. Wasn't the tpc missing a couple top 5-ers this year?

[Golfbum]

Years ago the Canadian Open was considered a "Major" Trevino, Jack, Arnie, all the top golfers of their era would not miss that event. Trevino won the US Open, The Open Championship and the Canadian Open all in the same year and it was titled the Triple Crown.
To me what makes a Major is the course set up. Watch the U.S. Open this year and see the boys hacking it out of 10 inch rough. Greens will be slicker than a greasy plate of french fries. Last time the US Open was played there the winning score was +7. Does an event like this and setup like this show who is the best golfer? Maybe not for the entire season but for that week it sure as heck does. It is not always about hitting fairways and greens, it involves keeping emotions in check. The last guy to win at the US Open at Winged Foot, Hale Irwin was and still is a pretty cool customer when it comes to tough courses.
That is why Tiger has 10, his mental part of the game is just a bit stronger than the rest of the field when it comes to playing in Majors.
History has some part of a Major, but not all of it.
Can't wait for Winged Foot http://www.usopen.com/