Majors question

[Crusher47]

I will probably get flamed for this, but since I'm just starting to get into/pay attention to tournaments and what not, figured I would ask here......  I know there are 4 or 5 Major's per year.  I believe they are the US Open, The Masters, British Open and ?? (don't know the others)

What exactly makes it a Major tournament?  Are they only played by golfers that have already won other tournaments?  Are they invitation only?  Do any of these have "cuts" ?

Thanks

[cipher]

The PGA Championship is the fourth.  Some might consider The Players Championship almost like a major but there are only 4.  Back in the day, the British and US Amateur titles were essentially majors as well.  They do have cuts and some such as the Masters are invitation only and others like the US Open anyone could qualify for one, although they do have reserved spots for prior winners and top ten finishers, and certain world ranked players.