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15 Golfers Who Lived Like They Won the Masters… But Never Did

Winning the Masters is one of the greatest honors in golf, but that didn’t stop these guys from living like they had that green jacket in their closet. Whether it was the flashy lifestyle, the swagger on tour, or how they carried themselves, these golfers acted like Augusta royalty, without slipping on the blazer.

Some came heartbreakingly close, while others barely sniffed the top of the leaderboard at Augusta. But one thing’s for sure: when it came to living large, these players didn’t wait for a trophy ceremony to start celebrating.

15. Rickie Fowler

Rickie Fowler tees off on 18 during the third round of the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin on May 31, 2025.
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Rickie’s never won the Masters, but his style and swagger have made him a fan favorite for years. With the endorsements, the fashion, and the flair, he’s lived like a green jacket winner since day one.

14. Colin Montgomerie

Nov 10, 2023; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Colin Montgomerie hits a putt during round 2 of the Charles Schwab Cup championship at Phoenix Country Club.
Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Monty had a Hall of Fame career and a larger-than-life personality, but Augusta was never kind to him. That didn’t stop him from living like a legend on and off the course.

13. Tony Finau

Jun 12, 2025; Oakmont, Pennsylvania, USA; Tony Finau plays his shot from the first tee during the first round of the U.S. Open golf tournament.
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Tony’s been in contention at Augusta more than once and still walks with the confidence of a Masters champ. His smooth demeanor and highlight-reel moments scream winner—even if the record books say otherwise.

12. John Daly

John Daly tees off on nine during the first round of The Galleri Classic at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, Calif., Friday, March 28, 2025.
Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

John Daly never came close to winning the Masters, but did that stop him from acting like the king of Augusta? There was no chance—he parked his RV outside the gates and had his party for the week.

11. Jesper Parnevik

Aug 11, 2005; Springfield, NJ, USA; Jesper Parnevik tees off on the 5th hole during the 1st round of the 87th PGA Championship at Baltusrol Golf Club.
Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Parnevik stood out wherever he went with his wild fashion and elite game. He didn’t need a green jacket to live like he owned the place.

10. Lee Westwood

Jun 21, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Lee Westwood of Majesticks GC hits a tee shot at the 15th hole at The Grove.
Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Westwood has had more close calls at majors than most, including several at Augusta. But with his career earnings and global profile, he’s lived like he won them all.

9. Tommy Fleetwood

Tommy Fleetwood tees off on 15 during the first round of the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin on May 29, 2025.
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Fleetwood’s Masters résumé is still a work in progress, but he carries himself like a guy who’s already won it. From his hair to his highlight reels, he plays the part perfectly.

8. Sergio Garcia (Before 2017)

Apr 9, 2015; Augusta, GA, USA; Sergio Garcia waves to the crowd after completing his first round of The Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
Rob Schumacher-Imagn Images

Before finally winning the Masters in 2017, Sergio spent nearly two decades living like he already had. He brought major-champion energy to every tournament from the flair to the feuds.

7. Fred Couples (Post-1992 Masters)

04/12/1992; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Fred Couples acknowledges spectators at the Augusta National Golf Course during the 1992 Masters.
The Augusta Chronicle-USA TODAY NETWORK

Yes, Freddy did win the Masters in 1992—but since this list is about vibes, let’s be real: he continued to live like he won it every year after that. Coolest guy at Augusta without even trying.

6. Ian Poulter

Apr 4, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Ian Poulter plays his shot from the fifth tee during the LIV Golf Miami ProAm at Trump National Doral.
Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Poulter’s never won the Masters, but you wouldn’t know it from how he shows up each year. Flashy outfits, fierce competitiveness, and endless confidence make him feel like a perennial champ.

5. Patrick Cantlay

Jun 12, 2025; Oakmont, Pennsylvania, USA; Patrick Cantlay plays his shot from the tenth tee during the first round of the U.S. Open golf tournament.
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

He may not be the most expressive guy, but Cantlay’s calm swagger and elite game suggest he already belongs in the green jacket club. So far, Augusta hasn’t agreed.

4. Cam Smith

Aug 14, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Cam Smith keeps an eye on his putt during the final round of the FedEx St. Jude Championship golf tournament at TPC Southwind.
David Yeazell-Imagn Images

Cam Smith has come heartbreakingly close and always seems to bring his A-game to Augusta. With the mullet, the mustache, and the laid-back bravado, he lives like he owns Amen Corner.

Read More: 20 Golfers Who Always Found a Way to Win

3. Luke Donald

May 16, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Luke Donald hits his second shot on the second hole during the second round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at Quail Hollow.
Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Donald spent time as the world No. 1 but never conquered Augusta. Still, his polished style and steady game made him look the part of a Masters winner for years.

Read More: 15 Golfers Who Loved The Sound of Their Own Name

2. Greg Norman

Feb. 8, 2008; Pebble Beach, CA, USA; Greg Norman hits his ball on the 17th hole during the second round of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am golf tournament at the Spyglass Hill in Pebble Beach, CA.
Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Norman is the poster child for Master’s heartbreak, but that never dimmed his star power. He lived like a golf god, even though Augusta broke his heart.

Read More: The 15 Biggest Chokes in Golf History

1. Phil Mickelson (Before 2004)

April 14, 2002; Augusta, GA, USA; Phil Mickelson couldn't overcome Tiger Woods during the final round of the 2002 Masters.
Tim Dillon-USA TODAY

Before finally breaking through in 2004, Phil spent years acting like the next big thing at Augusta. He had the talent, the crowd support, and the Masters-sized confidence long before he got the jacket.

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