Ever since Tiger Woods changed the game forever in the late ’90s, golf fans and media have been obsessed with finding his heir. Every time a young player showed a little swagger, distance, or dominance, they got slapped with the “Next Tiger” label—fair or not.
Some lived up to the hype for a while. Others fizzled out faster than a missed two-footer. Here are 10 golfers who were once pegged as the “Next Tiger Woods” and what happened next.
10. Ty Tryon
Ty Tryon was a teenage prodigy who qualified for the PGA Tour at just 17. But the pressure and physical setbacks derailed his career before it ever really took off.
9. Matteo Manassero
Manassero became the youngest player to win on the European Tour and looked like a future global star. But swing changes and confidence issues sent his career into a tailspin.
8. Beau Hossler
Hossler nearly won the U.S. Open as a teenager and had people buzzing about his potential. While he’s carved out a respectable pro career, the Tiger comparisons were way too much, way too soon.
7. Danny Lee
Lee won the U.S. Amateur and quickly turned pro with major hype behind him. But inconsistency and a lack of big wins kept him from reaching the elite level many expected.
6. Patrick Reed
Reed’s swagger and confidence drew early Tiger comparisons, especially after his Masters win. But controversies, inconsistency, and a lack of major dominance kept him in a different lane entirely.
5. Jason Day
Day had the look—long, athletic, and fearless—and for a while, he really did challenge the throne. He reached No. 1 in the world but couldn’t sustain the dominance due to injuries and personal struggles.
4. Rickie Fowler
With the flashy outfits and early success, Rickie was marketed like the sport’s next superstar. While he’s been great for the game, he never quite hit Tiger-level results in the majors.
3. Rory McIlroy
If anyone ever looked like they might actually be the next Tiger, it was Rory. Multiple majors by age 25 had us all convinced—but the fifth one still hasn’t come.
Read More: Ranking the 30 greatest Golfers of All Time
2. Jordan Spieth
Spieth’s 2015 season was Tiger-esque, with two majors and a near-miss at a third. But after that white-hot start, the roller coaster began, and he’s still chasing the consistency that made Tiger, well, Tiger.
Read More: 15 Most Controversial Golfers of All Time
1. Anthony Kim
AK had the game, the swagger, and the fearlessness to take over the sport. Then he vanished at the peak of his powers, becoming more myth than legend—making him the ultimate “what could have been” story.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Most Likeable Golfers of All Time
