Some golfers are just impossible not to like. Whether it was their underdog status, easygoing attitude, or how they handled the game’s highs and lows, these players had fans pulling for them no matter what round they were in.
This list isn’t about stats or trophies. It’s about the guys you couldn’t help but cheer for, who made golf feel more human and fun to watch.
15. Boo Weekley
Boo looked like he should’ve been fishing rather than golfing, and somehow that made everyone love him even more. His carefree personality and quirky antics made every tournament more entertaining.
14. Rickie Fowler
Even when he wasn’t winning, Rickie always had the crowd on his side. Maybe it was the flashy outfits or his humble attitude, but people were always rooting for him to break through finally.
13. Fred Couples
Fred made golf look effortless and somehow managed to stay cool doing it. Everyone wanted to swing like him and hang out with him after the round.
12. John Daly
He broke every rule in the golf playbook, and fans loved him for it. Daly always had people pulling for him between the mullet, the long drives, and the Diet Coke-fueled chaos.
11. Matt Kuchar
He’s been around forever, always smiling and staying steady. Fans loved watching him grind it out without ever seeming rattled.
10. Viktor Hovland
With his big grin and no-frills game, Hovland quickly became a fan favorite. He’s relatable, unassuming, and never seems to take himself too seriously.
9. Payne Stewart
Payne’s throwback style and sportsmanship left a lasting impression. Even people who didn’t follow golf closely felt a connection to him.
8. Tom Watson
Even in the twilight of his career, Watson kept giving fans reasons to cheer. That near-win at the Open in his late fifties had the whole world holding its breath.
7. Tony Finau
It took him a while to get that big win, but fans stuck with him through it all. His quiet resilience and genuine kindness made him one of golf’s most lovable figures.
6. Seve Ballesteros
Seve had that swashbuckling energy that made every shot feel like a scene from a movie. People cheered for him because he played with heart and flair.
5. Arnold Palmer
He wasn’t just a golfer—he was “The King.” His connection with fans was unmatched, and his charisma transcended the sport.
4. Phil Mickelson
Lefty had a way of pulling off the impossible and flashing a grin. Whether winning majors or blowing up on the 18th, fans never stopped rooting for him.
3. Jordan Spieth
Something is endearing about Spieth talking to his ball and battling through every round. Fans feel right there with him, so they cheer him on.
Read More: 15 Golfers Who Deserve a Major Before They Retire
2. Tiger Woods
Even when he dominated the field, people still wanted him to succeed. After the injuries and comebacks, that support only got louder.
Read More: The 15 Most Conceited Golfers of All Time
1. Jack Nicklaus
He was the standard, the icon, and somehow still approachable. Fans respected him, admired him, and always wanted to see him win—especially when the stakes were highest.
