The Best Golfers of All Time list is headlined by Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. They represent the pinnacle of golfing excellence through their achievements and impact on the sport.
Golf has produced legendary players who have not only dominated the sport but also inspired millions. These icons shaped the game with their skills, determination, and extraordinary achievements. In this post, we present the Top 25 Best Golfers of All Time, focusing on their contributions, achievements, and impact on the sport. Let’s dive into the list.
1. Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods transformed golf with his exceptional talent, discipline, and groundbreaking success. Starting with his phenomenal 1997 Masters win, where he crushed the competition by 12 strokes, Woods has claimed 15 major championships and 82 PGA Tour wins (tied for the most in history). His dedication to the game brought millions of new fans to golf and made it a truly global sport. He became the youngest player to achieve a golf Grand Slam, proving his unmatched talent and determination.
Achievements | Details |
Major Wins | 15 |
PGA Tour Wins | 82 |
Grand Slam Completion | Youngest in history at age 24 |
2. Jack Nicklaus
Known as “The Golden Bear,” Jack Nicklaus holds the record for 18 major championships, a feat yet to be surpassed. With his strategic gameplay and mental toughness, Nicklaus consistently outperformed the best players in the world, even in his 40s. His 1986 Masters win remains one of the most iconic moments in golf history.
Highlights | Details |
Major Wins | 18 |
Top-2 Major Finishes | 37 |
First Major | 1962 U.S. Open |
3. Arnold Palmer
Arnold Palmer, or “The King,” revolutionized golf’s popularity in the 1960s. With his charismatic personality and aggressive playing style, Palmer won seven major championships and helped bring golf to television, creating a loyal fanbase known as “Arnie’s Army.”
Achievements | Details |
Majors | 7 |
Best Year | 1960 (Won the U.S. Open) |
Legacy | Popularized golf on TV |
4. Sam Snead
Sam Snead’s graceful swing remains a benchmark in golf. With 82 PGA Tour wins, Snead’s record stands unmatched. He was known for his adaptability and longevity, winning tournaments in four different decades.
Key Stats | Details |
Majors | 7 (Including 3 Masters) |
Worldwide Wins | 135+ |
Swing Style | The gold standard of elegance |
5. Ben Hogan
Ben Hogan was a master tactician and one of the best shot-makers in golf history. Overcoming a life-threatening car accident in 1949, Hogan returned to win six major championships, showcasing his resilience and grit.
A Quick Comparison of the Top 5 Golfers
Golfer | Majors | PGA Tour Wins | Defining Trait |
Tiger Woods | 15 | 82 | Athletic dominance |
Jack Nicklaus | 18 | 73 | Mental strength |
Sam Snead | 7 | 82 | Longevity and grace |
Arnold Palmer | 7 | 62 | Charisma and accessibility |
Ben Hogan | 9 | 64 | Precision and perseverance |
6. Bobby Jones
Bobby Jones dominated amateur golf like no other. In 1930, he achieved the first-ever Grand Slam by winning all four major championships of the time. Jones later co-founded the Masters Tournament, cementing his legacy in the sport.
Major wins:
- 1926 U.S. Open
- 1927 Open Championship
- 1930 U.S. Open
7. Tom Watson
Tom Watson’s career highlights include eight major wins, five of which were at the Open Championship. His rivalry with Jack Nicklaus, particularly their legendary “Duel in the Sun” at the 1977 Open Championship, defined an era of golf.
Major wins:
- 1977 Masters
- 1982 U.S. Open
- 1983 Open Championship
8. Gary Player
Gary Player, known as “The Black Knight,” was golf’s first true global ambassador. The South African won nine majors and over 150 tournaments worldwide, thanks to his incredible fitness and work ethic.
Major wins:
- 1961 Masters
- 1965 U.S. Open
- 1974 Open Championship
9. Phil Mickelson
Phil Mickelson’s combination of creativity and flair has earned him six major championships and 45 PGA Tour wins. In 2021, at age 50, he became the oldest major winner in golf history.
Major wins:
- 2004 Masters
- 2005 PGA Championship
- 2021 PGA Championship
10. Seve Ballesteros
Seve Ballesteros brought flair and passion to European golf. With five major championships and 65 worldwide wins, he inspired future generations and elevated the Ryder Cup to new heights.
Major wins:
- 1980 Masters
- 1984 Open Championship
- 1988 Open Championship
Comparison Table of Top 10 Golfers
Golfer | Major Wins | PGA Tour Wins | Worldwide Wins | Key Achievements |
Tiger Woods | 15 | 82 | 106+ | Youngest to achieve Grand Slam |
Jack Nicklaus | 18 | 73 | 117+ | Most majors in history |
Arnold Palmer | 7 | 62 | 95+ | Popularized golf on TV |
Sam Snead | 7 | 82 | 165+ | Most PGA Tour wins |
Ben Hogan | 9 | 64 | 69+ | First to win three majors in one year |
Bobby Jones | 13 (Am.) | N/A | N/A | First-ever Grand Slam winner |
Tom Watson | 8 | 39 | 70+ | Five-time Open Championship winner |
Gary Player | 9 | 24 | 150+ | Golf’s global ambassador |
Phil Mickelson | 6 | 45 | 57+ | Oldest major winner |
Seve Ballesteros | 5 | 9 | 65+ | Revitalized European golf |
11. Byron Nelson
Byron Nelson’s 1945 season remains one of the greatest achievements in golf history. He won 11 consecutive tournaments, a record that still stands. Nelson’s sportsmanship and skill earned him widespread respect.
Major wins:
- 1939 U.S. Open
- 1940 PGA Championship
- 1945 PGA Championship
12. Lee Trevino
Lee Trevino, known as “The Merry Mex,” won six major championships and 29 PGA Tour titles. His charismatic personality and unique swing made him a fan favorite. Trevino famously defeated Jack Nicklaus in four major tournaments.
Major wins:
- 1968 U.S. Open
- 1971 Open Championship
- 1974 PGA Championship
13. Nick Faldo
Nick Faldo’s precision and focus helped him dominate during the late 1980s and early 1990s. He won six majors, including three Open Championships, and played a crucial role in several Ryder Cup victories for Europe.
Major wins:
- 1987 Open Championship
- 1990 Masters
- 1992 Open Championship
14. Walter Hagen
Walter Hagen was one of golf’s earliest stars. With 11 major championships, he set a standard for professionalism in the sport. Hagen’s flamboyant style and charisma helped elevate golf’s global appeal.
Major wins:
- 1921 PGA Championship
- 1924 Open Championship
- 1925 PGA Championship
15. Ernie Els
Ernie Els, nicknamed “The Big Easy,” is known for his smooth swing and calm demeanor. With four major titles, he consistently challenged the best players of his era, including Tiger Woods.
Major wins:
- 1994 U.S. Open
- 2002 Open Championship
- 2012 Open Championship
16. Billy Casper
Billy Casper was one of the most underrated golfers of his time, winning 51 PGA Tour events and three major championships. His comeback victory at the 1966 U.S. Open is one of the greatest in history.
Major wins:
- 1959 U.S. Open
- 1966 U.S. Open
- 1970 Masters
17. Vijay Singh
Vijay Singh’s incredible work ethic and skill earned him 34 PGA Tour wins and three major championships. Singh’s peak years saw him as a dominant force in golf.
Major wins:
- 1998 PGA Championship
- 2000 Masters
- 2004 PGA Championship
18. Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy, one of the modern greats, has won four major championships and is on the verge of completing a career Grand Slam. His explosive drives and versatile game make him a constant threat.
Major wins:
- 2011 U.S. Open
- 2012 PGA Championship
- 2014 Open Championship
19. Greg Norman
Greg Norman, known as “The Shark,” was one of the most dominant players in the 1980s. Despite numerous close calls, he won two Open Championships and spent over 300 weeks as the world’s top-ranked golfer.
Major wins:
- 1986 Open Championship
- 1993 Open Championship
20. Tom Kite
Tom Kite’s consistency earned him 19 PGA Tour wins, including a U.S. Open victory. Known for his precision, Kite was a pioneer in the use of modern training techniques in golf.
Major wins:
- 1992 U.S. Open
Comparison Table of Golfers Ranked 11-20
Golfer | Major Wins | PGA Tour Wins | Worldwide Wins | Key Achievements |
Byron Nelson | 5 | 52 | 64+ | 11 consecutive tournament wins |
Lee Trevino | 6 | 29 | 40+ | Defeated Nicklaus in four majors |
Nick Faldo | 6 | 9 | 30+ | Ryder Cup stalwart |
Walter Hagen | 11 | 45 | 58+ | An early global ambassador of golf |
Ernie Els | 4 | 19 | 70+ | Two-time U.S. Open winner |
Billy Casper | 3 | 51 | 69+ | He is known for his epic 1966 U.S. Open win |
Vijay Singh | 3 | 34 | 60+ | Known for relentless work ethic |
Rory McIlroy | 4 | 24 | 40+ | One major away from the Grand Slam |
Greg Norman | 2 | 20 | 85+ | Over 300 weeks as world #1 |
Tom Kite | 1 | 19 | 30+ | U.S. Open pioneer of modern training |
21. Brooks Koepka
Brooks Koepka is a modern powerhouse in golf, with an incredible knack for performing under pressure. He has won five major championships in a short span, making him one of the most successful players of his generation.
Major wins:
- 2017 U.S. Open
- 2018 U.S. Open
- 2018 PGA Championship
- 2019 PGA Championship
- 2023 PGA Championship
22. Fred Couples
Fred Couples, nicknamed “Boom Boom” for his long drives, has been a consistent performer throughout his career. He won the 1992 Masters and has numerous worldwide victories, making him a beloved figure in golf.
Major wins:
- 1992 Masters
23. Payne Stewart
Payne Stewart was known for his distinctive attire and remarkable sportsmanship. He won three major championships, including a dramatic victory at the 1999 U.S. Open.
Major wins:
- 1989 PGA Championship
- 1991 U.S. Open
- 1999 U.S. Open
24. Justin Rose
Justin Rose, the first Englishman to win a major in decades, has been a steady presence on the golf circuit. His 2013 U.S. Open victory remains a highlight of his illustrious career.
Major wins:
- 2013 U.S. Open
25. Jason Day
Jason Day, known for his incredible putting skills and resilience, achieved greatness with his 2015 PGA Championship win. His consistent performances have solidified his place among the best golfers.
Major wins:
- 2015 PGA Championship
Looking for inspiration? Check out our Best Female Golfers list to learn about women who’ve shaped the history of golf.
Frequently Asked Questions For The Best Golfers Of All Time
Who Is Considered The Greatest Golfer Ever?
The debate often comes down to Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus. Jack holds the record with 18 major wins, showcasing his consistency over decades. Tiger, with 15 majors, redefined the game with his dominance and global impact. Both are legends, but your answer depends on whether you value records or influence more.
How Many Majors Has Tiger Woods Won?
Tiger Woods has won 15 major championships. Each victory highlights his incredible talent and dominance in golf. From his first Masters win in 1997 to his epic comeback at the 2019 Masters, these wins solidify his legacy as one of the greatest in the sport.
What Golfer Has The Most PGA Tour Wins?
Sam Snead and Tiger Woods share the record for the most PGA Tour wins, each with 82 victories. Snead set the bar with wins spanning four decades, showcasing unmatched consistency. Decades later, Tiger matched it with his era-defining dominance, proving his place among golf’s greatest.
Who Is Considered The Greatest Golfer Of All Time?
Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods are the two names most often considered. Jack holds the record with 18 major wins, showing unmatched consistency. Tiger revolutionized the game with 15 majors and a global impact. The answer depends on whether you prioritize records or the transformation of the sport.
What Makes Jack Nicklaus Unique In Golf History?
Jack Nicklaus is unmatched, with 18 major championship wins, the most in golf history. His ability to consistently perform under pressure, even against the toughest competition, sets him apart. Beyond his records, his influence extends to designing world-class golf courses, leaving a legacy both on and off the course.
Is Tiger Woods better than Jack Nicklaus?
The answer depends on what you value most. Jack Nicklaus holds the record with 18 majors, showcasing unmatched consistency over decades. Tiger Woods, with 15 majors, dominated the sport like no one else and revolutionized its global appeal. If it’s records, Jack wins; if it’s impact and dominance, Tiger takes the edge.
Conclusion
As we reflect on golf’s rich history, these 20 legends stand out for their remarkable achievements and contributions to the game. Each player, with their unique skill set and unforgettable moments, has left an indelible mark on the sport. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to golf, these icons offer endless inspiration and a benchmark of excellence. Remember, the next great golfer could be making history right now.