Tiger Woods didn’t just dominate the sport—he redefined what it meant to be a superstar in golf. Naturally, that led to a whole generation of guys who started walking like Tiger, fist-pumping like Tiger, and signing sponsorships like Tiger… but didn’t exactly have the wins to back it up.
Some of these players had real potential. Others just had swagger, confidence, and a perfectly dialed follow-through with none of the hardware. Here are 15 golfers who seemed to think they were the next Tiger Woods—but absolutely were not.
15. Ty Tryon
He turned pro at 16, signed a massive deal with Callaway, and looked like the next big thing. Unfortunately, his game never caught up to the hype, and he disappeared almost as fast as he arrived.
14. Camilo Villegas
With the flashy outfits, gym-rat vibe, and ultra-confident demeanor, he gave off Tiger-lite energy. But once the cameras stopped clicking, the trophies stopped coming.
13. Anthony Kim
He had swagger, talent, and a killer belt buckle, and people genuinely thought he could rival Tiger. Then he vanished into injury limbo and left us all wondering what could have been.
12. Rickie Fowler
The commercials, the orange outfits, the fanfare—he was marketed like the second coming. But for all the endorsements, he’s only managed a handful of wins and a legacy of almosts.
11. Hunter Mahan
Mahan had the steely gaze and confidence of a guy who thought he belonged in Tiger’s tier. But he never truly dominated and will forever be remembered more for Ryder Cup heartbreak than major glory.
10. Rory Sabbatini
Sabbatini once said he was a better player than Tiger was at the time. That aged like milk, and Tiger made sure to humble him shortly after.
9. Ian Poulter
Poulter declared he was the second-best golfer in the world behind Tiger. The only thing he ever led was the charge for wild Ryder Cup fashion choices.
8. Sergio Garcia
From a young age, Sergio was anointed Tiger’s rival and clearly believed it himself. But despite a long career, the major count makes it clear—there was no real rivalry.
7. Nick Watney
Watney had a hot streak that made people wonder if he was the next big American star. Turns out, he was just having a good couple of months.
6. David Duval
Duval actually reached world No. 1 and looked like a legit challenger. But once Tiger fully ascended, Duval’s game collapsed under the weight of expectation.
5. Justin Rose
Rose had the calm demeanor and polished swing that screamed “I can beat Tiger.” He’s had a great career, but Tiger made golf a global phenomenon—Rose just played well in it.
4. Jordan Spieth
For a moment, it really looked like Jordan was going to take the Tiger mantle. Then he forgot how to putt for four years.
3. Patrick Reed
With his self-belief and constant need to prove something, Reed absolutely channels Tiger’s intensity. The difference? Tiger let his clubs do the talking—Reed just talks.
Read More: 10 Golfers Who Peaked Way Too Early
2. Brooks Koepka
Koepka strutted around majors like he owned them, and for a while, he kinda did. But Tiger dominated all the time, not just four weekends a year.
Read More: 10 Golfers Who Peaked Way Too Early
1. Phil Mickelson
Phil always wanted to beat Tiger and spent two decades chasing his shadow. He got his wins and had his moments—but deep down, he always knew who the real alpha was.
