Golf Analysis and Explainers
How the cut works, what the rankings measure and what decided the majors — purses, points and the numbers behind the leaderboard.
Every British Open Champion Since 1860, and Who Has Won the Most
Harry Vardon won the British Open a record six times. Every champion since 1860, with the courses, countries, scores, margins and Ryan Fox's win in 2026.
Every Masters Champion Since 1934, and Who Has Won the Most
Jack Nicklaus won the Masters a record six times. Every champion since 1934, with winning scores, margins, countries, ages and Rory McIlroy's 2026 repeat.
One Major in Five Has Gone to a Playoff, but the U.S. Open Has Not Since 2008
Since 1934, 66 of 334 men's golf majors went to a playoff, 20 percent, but only two in the 2020s. Each major's format, the longest ones and the records.
More Than Half of Golf's Majors Since 2000 Went to a First-Time Winner
Since 2000, first-time winners have taken 57 of 107 men's golf majors, 53 percent, and 18 of 27 U.S. Opens. Their ages, who won again and 2026's champions.
Home Teams Have Won 15 of the Last 23 Ryder Cups
Since 1979 the home team has won 15 of 23 Ryder Cups, lost seven and tied one. Every result, how the two-day leaders fared, the Sunday comebacks and 2027.
A Major Takes About 9 Under Par to Win, Unless It Is the U.S. Open
Men's majors since 2000 were won at 9.3 under par on average and the U.S. Open at 4.6 under. Every winning score, the cut line and playoffs, 2000 to 2026.
A 54-Hole Lead in a Major Holds About Six Times in Ten
Since 2000 the 54-hole leader or a co-leader has won 64 of 107 men's majors, 60 percent. How the size of the lead changes that, the biggest comebacks and 2026.
Everything golf on Vertize Sports
How to read the golf leaderboard and tour schedule on Vertize Sports: scores to par, the cut, playoffs and the PGA Tour, LPGA, DP World Tour and Champions Tour.