This study looks at the relationship between the use of a project management methodology (PMM) and project success, and the impact of project governance context on this relationship. A cross-sectional, world-wide, online survey yielded 254 responses. Analysis was done through factor analysis and moderated hierarchical regression analysis. The results of the study show that the application of a PMM account for 22.3% of the variation in project success, and PMMs that are considered sufficiently comprehensive to manage the project lead to higher levels of project success than PMMs that need to be supplemented for use by the project manager. Project governance acts as a quasi-moderator in this relationship. The findings should benefit project management practitioners by providing insights into the choice of PMM in different governance contexts. Academics should benefit from insights into PMMs' role as a success factors in projects. •Determined the relationship for a project management methodology (PMM) and project success•Established the impact of project governance context on this relationship•The application of a PMM account for 22.3% of the variation in project success•PMMs considered comprehensive lead to higher levels of success than those that are supplemented•Governance is a quasi-moderator in the relationship between PMM and project success•Governance impacts choice of PMM