Which Major Tournaments Truly Identify the Golf’s Best Player of the Year?

The sport of golf attracts a global fan base eager to determine which major tournaments truly identify the best player of the year. There are four renowned major championships that each claim to do so: the Masters, the US Open, The Open Championship (also known as The British Open), and the PGA Championship. However, an additional tournament often overlooked is the FedExCup at the end of the season, as its winner is frequently considered the gold standard.

Challenging Common Beliefs

Typically, the idea that the US Open identifies the best player of the moment is generally accepted. However, when we closely examine the criteria and conditions, we realize that this may not always be the case. The US Open is characterized by its rigorous and often unpredictable design, which can be severely challenging. Yet, this tournament also faces a common issue: its field size is determined by invitations rather than performance alone, leading to a crowded and highly competitive field where many are unlikely to win.

Interestingly, even the Masters, famous for its rich history and prestige, is not without flaws. It was originally started by Bobby Jones in 1934 and has been played on the same course since its inception. Despite its historical significance, the Masters still suffers from a field weakness, with around 80 players competing compared to 144 players at the US Open. This disparity can lead to lackluster performances by past champions and uneven qualifications for the best player.

The Open Championship: A Close Match

The Open Championship, given the advent of efficient global air travel, has become less distinct in terms of field competitiveness. Formerly known as the British Open, this tournament now has to compete against the US Open for the title of the most challenging major tournament. Both offer a deep pool of the world's top players, but their approaches to course design and weather conditions differentiate them.

The US Open often features a more difficult course layout, designed to test the players' technical skills and mental fortitude. Conversely, the Open Championship frequently faces uncertainties due to weather, particularly in its northern locations, where play can be affected by cold temperatures and strong winds. These conditions can significantly impact the outcome of the tournament despite their commitment to maintaining high-quality competition.

The FedExCup: An Alternative Measure of Excellence

Adding to the debate is the FedExCup, which crowns the winner of its season-ending tourney as the best player of the year. Unlike the major championships, the FedExCup focuses more on a player's consistency and performance throughout the season, reducing the impact of individual tournament results and weather conditions. Therefore, the FedExCup winner is not just the best player but frequently the top performer over the entire golfing calendar.

This analysis shows that while the major championships each have their unique qualities, the FedExCup offers a different perspective on identifying the best player of the year, emphasizing sustained excellence rather than singular tournament victories.

Note: For further reading, explore the specific fields, course designs, and weather conditions of each tournament to get a comprehensive understanding of why these events identify the best player of the year.