In golf, there is undoubtedly a short list of players who come to mind as some of the best golfers of all time. Without question, though, whether you are an avid fan or not, you've likely heard the comparison between Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. The only other sports comparison of the "greatest ever" that comes close is the one between Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Aside from Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, who else makes the list, and how many names do you recognize?
What Makes the Best, the Best?
So, what attributes or career statistics qualify a golfer for entrance into such an elite group? Depending on the era, the stats earning these players the honor of the "best ever" title can vary, sometimes vastly. One thing is for certain, though, they are fierce competitors that have an unwavering knack for winning and for showing up under pressure and when it matters most.
Being a major championship winner, getting inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, completing the career grand slam by winning all four major championships, and having the most wins or major victories, are quick ways to climb to the top of the greatest golfers of all time list. But they are not the only statistics that matter. Time spent on the Official World Golf Rankings, the number of consecutive cuts made, and the wherewithal to overcome significant adversity can also land you on this list. Keep reading for the 5 best golfers of all time, in our opinion.
The Best Golfers Ever: Our Top 5 Picks
Of course, this list could be subjective to individual readers. There are certain stats that some might consider more important than others in ranking these players. Let's not get lost in the semantics or specifics of who belongs in what place within these rankings, but rather appreciate them for their accomplishments and contributions to the game over the years. Without further ado:
1. Jack Nicklaus
Nickname: Golden Bear
Professional Career: 41 years, 1962-2003
Overview
It is easy to see how the Golden Bear would be listed as the greatest of all time in the golf world. Winning 18 major titles, finishing runner-up 19 times, and coming away victorious in each one of the majors a minimum of 3 times, it would be hard to list anyone above him. It's hard to argue with 73 top-10 finishes and 56 top-5 finishes in major tournaments.
Highlights
- 21 Hole in ones (professionally)
- 118 total professional victories
- 73 total PGA Tour Wins
- Career Grand Slams: 3
- 154 consecutive Major Championship appearances
- Official World Golf Rankings
- McCormick's unofficial ranking listed Jack Nicklaus as No. 1 for 9 years, or 468 weeks
- 18 Major Championships
- 6 Masters
- 5 PGA Championships
- 4 U.S. Open Championships
- 3 British Open Championships
- 5 times PGA Tour Player of The Year
- 8 times PGA Tour Money Leader
2. Tiger Woods
Nickname: Tiger
Professional Career: 1996 - Present
Overview
Tiger Woods is easily the most well-known golfer in the world, regardless of your familiarity with the game. Perhaps because his career flourished in the day and age of technology, people worldwide witnessed his rise from a successful amateur golfer to his decades-long dominance on the links. Tiger is one of the only golfers whose following spans a multi-generational fan base. If you have ever been to a professional golf tournament with Woods in the field, you know the "Tiger effect" is a very real thing. You hear him coming before you ever see him due to the mass wave of fans following him. Rightfully so, there hasn't been a player in the game of golf with the proven work ethic that Tiger has. He's a machine; there is no question why he became the household name he is today.
Highlights
- 3 Hole in ones (professionally)
- 82 PGA Tour Victories
- Career Grand Slams: 3
- 142 consecutive cuts made
- Lowest scoring average: Set in 2000 at 68.17
- Official World Golf Rankings
- Over 13 years at #1, 683 weeks (the most by any golfer and twice as many weeks as second place Greg Norman)
- 15 Majors Championships
- 5 Masters
- 4 PGA Championships
- 3 U.S. Open Championships
- 3 British Open Championships
- 11 Times PGA Tour Player of The Year
- 10 Times PGA Tour Money Leader
- 9 Time Vardon Trophy Recipient
3. Ben Hogan
Nickname: The Hawk
Professional Career: 1938-1959
Overview
While a near-fatal car accident took away Hogan's 1949 season, that didn't stop him. Even after being in the hospital for 59 days and being told he may never walk again, let alone play golf, he became the first player ever to win three majors in the same year, 1953, coming after his supposed career-ending accident. Tiger Woods is the only other player ever to win three majors in the same year, doing so in 2000.
Highlights
- 64 total professional wins
- Career Grand Slam: 1
- 9 Major Championships
- 2 Masters Championships
- 2 PGA Championships
- 4 U.S Open Championships
- 1 British Open Championship
- 4 Times PGA Player of The Year
- 5 Times PGA Tour Money Leader
- 3 Time Vardon Trophy Recipient
4. Walter Hagan
Nickname: "Father of Professional Golf"
Professional Career: 1927-1935
Overview
Walter Hagan is among only three golfers to ever win at least ten major championships in their professional careers. He lives in this category with none other than our #1 Jack Nicklaus and #2 Tiger Woods.
Highlights
- Considered the greatest match-play golfer of all time
- Won the PGA Championship 4 years in a row when it was a match-play format
- 45 PGA Tour Victories
- 11 Major Championships
- 5 PGA Championships
- 2 U.S Open Championships
- 4 British Open Championships
5. Bobby Jones
Nickname: Bonnie Bobby
Professional Career: 1923-1930
Overview
Bobby Jones may be one of the best-known golf course designers in the industry, retiring from competitive golf at the young age of 28 after winning all 13 of his major titles in an 8-year span. We say competitive golf because Jones never turned professional, arguably the greatest golfer to not do so. He was also one of the founders of Augusta National Golf Club and helped establish the Masters.
Highlights
- Founded 2 historical golf courses
- Augusta National Golf Club
- Peachtree Golf Club
- 1 true Grand Slam
- Unlike the career grand slams, what is special about this one is it was accomplished in the same year, 1930. Amateur championships were, however, considered in this grand slam due the fact that Jones never became a professional golfer. This was before the Masters was established and Jones is the only player to win the pre-Masters Grand Slam. Jones was also ineligible to play in the PGA Championship due to his status as an amateur golfer.
- 13 Major Championships
- 4 U.S Amateur Championships
- 1 British Amateur Championship
- 5 U.S Open Championships
- 3 British Open Championships
Honorable Mentions
By no means is this list comprehensive. We are well aware that the likes of Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Tom Watson, Sam Snead, and Annika Sorenstam belong in this conversation. Golf history is so rich, and so storied it’s nearly impossible to settle the debate of who the best golfers of all time really are. One thing is for sure, though, if you want your name among them as a golf legend, you better get practicing.
Byline: Alexis is a longtime student of the game. After playing careers both in college, at the Division 1 level, and 3 years as a touring professional on the developmental circuits, she most recently wrapped a 9-year stint as a collegiate Head Coach at two different universities. During that time, she led her teams to 8 top-4 finishes in conference championships. She led one player to the NCAA Regionals as an at-large bid in 2021, capping the best individual playing career in program history.
