20 Best Golfers Ever To Grace The Green

Greg Norman, nicknamed "The Great White Shark" for his aggressive playing style and sharp business acumen, is a living legend in the world of golf.

Here's a glimpse into his remarkable achievements:

• Norman has amassed a staggering 88 professional wins worldwide, including 20 prestigious PGA Tour titles and two Open Championships.
• He held the coveted No. 1 ranking for a record 331 weeks, a testament to his consistent brilliance and global impact on the sport.
• Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2001
• Won the British Open in 1986 and 1993
• Awarded the Old Tom Morris Award and the Charlie Bartlett Award in 2008
• 5 Byron Nelson Award in 1988, 1990, 1993, 1994, and 1995.
• Earned over $80 million in prize money and became one of the highest-paid golfers of his era.

Rory McIlroy, the charismatic Northern Irishman, has carved his name into golf's modern pantheon with stunning achievements and captivating play.

Here's a glimpse into his golfing prowess:

• 37 Professional Wins
• Held the number 1 ranking for 122 weeks 
• Won the PGA Championship in 2012 and 2014
• Won the U.S. Open in 2011
• Won the British Open in 2014
• 3 Mark H. McCormack Award wins in 2012, 2014, and 2015
• He's clinched the FedEx Cup twice, in 2016 and 2019.

He holds the record for the lowest score in a major championship round (66 at the 2011 U.S. Open) and the lowest score in a PGA Tour event (61 at the 2018 RBC Canadian Open).

Beyond the course, McIlroy is known for his generous spirit. He established the Rory McIlroy Foundation, which supports children's charities around the world.

Vijay Singh, the "Big Fijian," has carved his name into golfing history as one of the most dominant and inspiring players of his generation.

Here's a glimpse into his remarkable achievements:

• Singh stands tall with three major championship titles, conquering the PGA Championship twice (1998, 2004) and the Masters Tournament in 2000.
• He was the first golfer of Fijian and Indian descent to win a major.
• Singh has amassed a staggering 34 victories on the PGA Tour, the most ever by a player from outside the United States. 
• He has a total of66 Professional wins and has held the number 1 spot on the Official World Golf Rankings for 32 weeks.
• In 2004, Singh won the PGA Tour, Player of the Year, PGA Player of the Year, Byron Nelson Award, Vardon Trophy, and the European Tour Golfer of the Year award. 

Billy Casper, often overshadowed by the giants of golf, etched his own impressive mark on the sport with a career defined by consistent excellence and quiet determination.

Here's a glimpse into his remarkable achievements:

• Won three major championships throughout his career – the U.S. Open in 1959 and 1966, and the Masters Tournament in 1970.
• Amassed a staggering 51 PGA Tour victories.
• Represented the United States in a record eight Ryder Cups, holding the U.S. record for career points won in the prestigious competition.
• Won the Vardon Trophy, awarded for the lowest seasonal scoring average, a remarkable five times(1960, 1963, 1965, 1966, 1968).
• After turning 50, Casper continued to excel on the Senior PGA Tour, winning until 1989.

Ernie Els, nicknamed "The Big Easy" for his big stature, effortless swing and laid-back demeanor, has carved his name into golfing history.

Here is a look at his impressive array of triumphs:

• Conquered four major championships – the U.S. Open (1994, 1997) and The Open Championship (2002, 2012). 
• Held the the coveted World No. 1 ranking for nine weeks in 2004. 
• Amassed a staggering 76 professional wins worldwide, including prestigious events like the WGC-American Express Championship (1997) and the WGC-HSBC Champions (2005). 
• Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011. 
• Dominated the head-to-head arena, claiming a record-tying seven World Match Play titles (shared with Tiger Woods). 

Walter Hagen, "The Kentucky Cardinal," was a golf pioneer who redefined the sport both on and off the course.

Here's a glimpse into his remarkable achievements:

• Conquered 11 major championships throughout his career, including five PGA Championships, two U.S. Open  and four British Open titles.
• 45 PGA Tour wins and a total of 58 professional victories.
• Inducted into the World Golf Hall of FAme in 1974.
• He revolutionized golfer attire, ditching knickers for plus fours and setting a new standard for style.
• Captained the American team for six Ryder Cups and showcased his own skills as a player in five of those tournaments (1927, 1929, 1931, 1933, and 1935).

Sir Nicholas Alexander Faldo, MBE, left a lasting impression on the green with a career defined by dedication, precision, and six major championship roars. 

Here's a glimpse into his remarkable achievements:

• Six major championships, three Open Championships (1987, 1990, 1992) and three Masters victories (1989, 1990, 1996).
• Inducted into the World Gold Hall of Fame in 1997.
• Held the coveted World No. 1 ranking for a total of 97 weeks across different stretches.
• Represented Europe eleven times in the Ryder Cup. 
• Awarded the PGA Player of the Year in 1990, the Payne Stewardt Award in 2014.
• Three time European Tour Golfer of the Year Winner in 1989, 1990, and 1992.

Lee Trevino, nicknamed "The Merry Mex" for his infectious charisma and Mexican-American heritage, carved a colorful and captivating path through the golfing world.

Here's a glimpse into his remarkable achievements:

• Six major championships, two British Open titles (1971, 1972), two PGA Championships (1971, 1974), a U.S. Open win (1972), and a Masters victory (1975). 
• Amassed a staggering 29 PGA Tour victories, including prestigious events like The Players Championship (1980) and the Tournament of Champions (1971). 
• Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1981.
• 5-time Vardon Trophy winner (1970, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1980).
• Winner of the Byron Nelson Award in 1980.
• Represented the U.S. in 7 Ryder Cups, winning in 1971, 1973, 1975, 1979, &1981.

Byron Nelson, also known as "Lord Byron" for his elegance and sportsmanship, left an indelible mark on the world of golf with a career defined by consistency, longevity, and an incredible feat that remains unmatched.

Let's take a swing at his remarkable achievements:

• Nelson's crowning achievement is undoubtedly his record-setting 11 consecutive PGA Tour victories in 1945, a feat that still stands as the longest winning streak in professional golf history.
• five major championships throughout his career, two Masters Tournament wins (1937, 1942), a U.S. Open title (1939), and two PGA Championship victories (1940, 1945). 
• Beyond the majors, Nelson amassed a staggering 52 PGA Tour victories. He won the PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997.
• Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974, the same year he won the Bob Jones Award.
• He was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2006.

Seve Ballesteros, the "Spanish Matador" of golf, etched his name in golfing history with a flamboyant style and a fearless approach to the green. 

Here's a glimpse into his remarkable achievements:

• Conquered five major championships throughout his career, three Open Championship wins (1979, 1984, 1988) and two Masters Tournament victories (1980, 1983).
• Represented  Europe a record eleven times in the Ryder Cup, and holds the tournament record with José María Olazábal for Most points(12) won by a pairing.  
• Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1999.
• 6-time European Tour Order of Merit winner(1976, 1977, 1978, 1986, 1988, 1991).
• 3-time European Tour Golfer of the Year winner(1986, 1988, 1991). 

"Lefty" Phil Mickelson, the golfing world's charismatic showman, has carved his name into history with a career defined by dazzling skills, infectious joy, and a record-breaking six major championship wins. 

Here's a glimpse into his remarkable achievements:

• Six major championships, three Masters Tournament victories (2004, 2006, 2010), two  PGA Championship title (2005, 2021), and the Open Championship(2013). 
• Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2012.
• Won the Haskins Award and Jack Nicklaus Award in 1990, 1991, and1992.
• Beyond the majors, Mickelson amassed a staggering 45 PGA Tour victories.
• Mickelson was a crucial force in the U.S. Ryder Cup victories of 2008 and 2016.

Gene Sarazen "the Squire" was an American professional golfer who was one of the world's top players in the 1920s and 1930s. He is one of five players to have won all four major championships at least once. 

Here's a glimpse into his remarkable achievements:

• Sarazen joined golf's elite by achieving the Grand Slam, winning all four major championships: the U.S. Open (1922, 1932), the PGA Championship (1922, 1923, 1933), the Open Championship (1932), and the Masters Tournament (1935).
• He has amassed 38 PGA Tour wins, showcasing his consistent brilliance across diverse courses. 
• He was awarded the first PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996. 
• Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974.

In the 1935 Masters playoff, Sarazen's awe-inspiring double eagle on the 15th hole secured his victory and cemented his place in golfing lore. This legendary shot resonated through the game's history.

Gary Player, the "Black Knight" of golf, carved his path to golfing glory with unwavering determination and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Here's a glimpse into his remarkable achievements:

• Player conquered a stunning nine major championships throughout his career, three Open Championships (1959, 1968, 1974), three Masters victories (1961, 1974, 1978), a U.S. Open win (1965), and two PGA Championship titles (1962, 1972).
• One of five players with a career Grand Slam, winning the four major championships at least once.
• Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974.
• He was the recepient of the PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. 
• Beyond the majors, Player amassed a staggering 159 professional wins worldwide, including prestigious events like the World Match Play Championship (five titles) and the Senior PGA Championship.

Thomas Sturges Watson, better known as Tom Watson, is an American professional golfer who has etched his name in the annals of golfing history with a career defined by exceptional skill, unwavering tenacity, and a signature elegance.

Let's delve into the achievements that solidify his place among the true legends of the sport:

• Watson boasts an impressive collection of eight major championship titles, the U.S. Open title in 1982, two Masters Tournament(1977, 1981) , and the Open Championship a remarkable five times (1975, 1977, 1980, 1982, 1983).
• Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1988.
• His final-round battle against Ben Crenshaw, culminating in a dramatic playoff win in the 982 Open Championships, is considered one of the greatest duels in golf history.
• Beyond the majors, Watson amassed a staggering 39 PGA Tour victories.
• Played for the United States in four Ryder Cups, contributing significantly to the team's victories in 1977, 1981, 1983. He was the non-playing captain in 1993 and 2014, they won in '93.

Bobby Jones, the "Bambino of Golf," etched his name in golfing history with a unique blend of athleticism, sportsmanship, and amateur spirit.

Here's a glimpse into his remarkable achievements:

• 13 Major career championships, including the 1930 Grand Slam, 4 U.S. Open(1923, 1926, 1929, 1930), three British Open titles(1926, 1927, 1930), one British Amateur title in 1930 and 5 U.S. Amateur titles(1924, 1925, 1927, 1928, 1930).
• Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974.
• In 1930, he won the  James E. Sullivan Award for "the most outstanding male athlete at the collegiate or Olympic level in the United States."
• The only Sports figure received two ticker-tape parades (1926 &1930).

Ben Hogan, often referred to as "The Hawk," was a towering figure in the world of golf, not just for his exceptional skill but also for his unwavering determination and unyielding work ethic. 

Here's a look at his major achievements:

• 9 major Championships titles, 2 Masters Tournament(1951, 1953), 2 PGA Championship(1946, 1948), 4 U.S. Open(1948, 1950, 1951, 1953), and one British open title(195).
• He is one of the only five players with a career Grand Slam, with at least one wins in the four major championships.
• Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974.
• 4 PGA player of the Year honours (1948, 1950, 1951, 1953)
• 3-time Vardon Trophy Winner (1940, 1941, 1948).
• 1953 Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year.

Arnold Palmer, "The King," reigned over the golfing world with a charismatic grin and an unmatched ability to thrill the crowds.

Here's a glimpse into his remarkable major achievements:

• Seven major championships, 4 Masters Tournament(1958, 1960, 1962, 1964), one U.S. Open in 1960, and two British Open (1961, 1962).
• 4 Vardon Trophies (961, 1962, 1964, 1967)
• He won the Bob Jones Award in 1971 and the Old Tom Morris Award in 1983. 
• Recepient of the PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998.
• His 62 PGA Victories is tied for 5th in all time wins, he has a total of 95 Professional wins. 
• 4-time PGA Tour money champ(1958, 1960, 1962, 1963).
• Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974.

Sam Snead, "Slammin' Sammy," carved his name into golfing history with a smooth swing, a disarming smile, and a record unmatched for its duration. 

No other player in the annals of professional golf has demonstrably replicated this astonishing feat of placing within the top 10 of a major championship across five distinct decades. Here's a peek at his remarkable achievements:

• Seven major championships, three Masters Tournament wins (1949, 1952, 1954), three PGA Championships (1942, 1949, 1951), and one British Open (1946).
• Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974.
• 1998 recepient of the PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement Award..
• 1949 PGA Golfer of the Year.
• 4 Vardon Trophies(1938, 1949, 1950, 1955).
• 142 professional wins and tied for 1st in all time PGA tour wins with 82.
• PGA Tour leading money winner in 1938, 1949 and 1950.
• Oldest player to make the cut at a major(67 years, 1979)

Jack Nicklaus, "The Golden Bear," strode onto the golfing stage with unparalleled determination and left an indelible mark as one of the sport's greatest champions.

Let's delve into his remarkable achievements:

• Nicklaus conquered a staggering 18 major championships throughout his career, he is one of the only 5 players with a career Grand Slam. 
• He triumphed in the U.S. Open four times (1962, 1967, 1972, 1980).
• Won the Masters Tournament six times (1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975, 1986), 
• Won the British Open three times (1966, 1970, 1978).
• Won the PGA Championship five times (1963, 1971, 1973, 1975,1980).
• 2005 receipent of the PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement Award. 
• Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974.
• 2015 Congressional Gold Medal Winner
• 8 time PGA Tour Money Champ(1964, 1965, 1967, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1976)
• Tied for 3rd in alll time PGA tour wins with 73 wins, he has a total of 117 professional wins. 

Tiger Woods,  roared onto the golf scene with unmatched athleticism and an insatiable hunger for victory. He transcended the sport, becoming a cultural icon and inspiring a generation of young golfers, particularly those from diverse backgrounds.

Let's take a swing at his remarkable achievements:

• 15 major championships, five Masters Tournament (1997, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2019), three U.S. Open (2000, 2002, 2008), three British Open(2000, 2005, 2006), and four PGA Championships(1999, 2000, 2006, 2007).
• One of the only five players with a career Grand Slam.
• Achieved the iconic feat of reaching World No. 1 ranking for a record 683 weeks.
• Beyond the majors, Woods amassed a staggering 82 PGA Tour victories, which is tied for 1st in all time wins. He has a total of 110 professional wins. 
• 10 time PGA Tour Money champ(1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2013)
• 11 time PGA Player of the Year(1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2013)
• 9 Byron Nelson Awards(1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009)
• 9 Vardon Trophies(1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2013)
• Recepient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019.