In golf, a hot start can make you look like the next big thing. But as we’ve seen time and time again, peaking early doesn’t always mean staying on top.
Some of these players had breakout wins, jaw-dropping potential, or early major contention before things cooled off—fast. Here are 10 golfers who peaked way too early and left fans wondering what could’ve been.
10. Ty Tryon
Tryon turned pro at 16 and qualified for the PGA Tour at 17, earning the “future superstar” label overnight. But health issues and the pressure of early fame derailed his career before it really began.
9. Matteo Manassero
Manassero won on the European Tour at just 17 and looked like Europe’s next big thing. But swing changes and confidence issues caused his game to fall off a cliff in his 20s.
8. Charles Howell III
Howell came out of Oklahoma State with huge expectations and won early on tour. But despite a long and steady career, he never quite delivered the star power or major wins people expected.
7. Hunter Mahan
Mahan was a top-10 machine and played in multiple Ryder Cups, peaking as high as fourth in the world. But after a solid start, his game disappeared almost as quickly as it rose.
6. Ryo Ishikawa
Ishikawa was dubbed “The Bashful Prince” and looked like Japan’s answer to Tiger Woods. Despite a few wins in Japan, he never made the leap on the global stage.
5. Anthony Kim
Kim was electric, fearless, and one of the most exciting players on tour before injuries and a mysterious disappearance ended it all. His early peak is now legendary mostly because of how suddenly it all ended.
4. Lydia Ko
Ko became world No. 1 at 17 and was winning tournaments before she could legally drive in the U.S. While still a great player, the dominant version of Ko from her teen years hasn’t fully returned.
3. David Duval
Duval was the world No. 1 and won The Open in 2001, looking like Tiger’s top challenger. But just a few years later, his game fell off dramatically and never really recovered.
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2. Jordan Spieth
Spieth’s 2015 season was one of the best in golf history—but it may have set the bar too high. He’s still a fan favorite and a threat, but the early dominance hasn’t been replicated.
Read More: 15 Most Controversial Golfers of All Time
1. Rory McIlroy
Rory won four majors by 25 and seemed destined for double digits. He’s still an elite player, but fans are still waiting for that “next level” that never quite came after 2014.
Read More: 15 Golfers Who Were Hyped but Never Lived Up to Expectations
