In golf, pressure is the ultimate test. It’s one thing to shoot low on a Thursday—it’s another to do it on Sunday afternoon with a major on the line and the world watching.
These are the golfers who didn’t just show up—they delivered. Whether it was draining impossible putts, sticking irons under pressure, or rising to the occasion when everyone else melted, these players lived for the moment.
20. Keegan Bradley
Bradley thrives on emotion and has delivered when the stakes are high. That 2011 PGA Championship playoff showed nerves of steel.
19. Justin Rose
Rose has quietly built a résumé full of clutch moments. He always seems to be lurking on Sundays when the pressure’s maxed out.
18. Jason Day
At his peak, Day was fearless in the final round. His 2015 PGA Championship win was a textbook lesson in staying cool under fire.
17. Tom Watson
Watson had ice in his veins, especially at The Open. He played with swagger and delivered when it mattered most, even into his 50s.
16. Hale Irwin
Irwin didn’t just win—he outlasted people. His 1990 U.S. Open win at 45 was one of the all-time clutch performances.
15. Adam Scott
Scott’s calm demeanor was made for pressure moments. That Masters playoff win in 2013 sealed his place in the clutch conversation.
14. Brooks Koepka
Big tournaments? Big Koepka energy. He only seems to care about majors, which is honestly kind of legendary.
13. Padraig Harrington
Harrington caught fire when majors were on the line. Back-to-back Open wins and a PGA? That’s as clutch as it gets.
12. Lee Trevino
Trevino loved the spotlight and played his best when everyone else was folding. He didn’t just compete—he thrived in chaos.
11. Raymond Floyd
Floyd was a stone-cold closer. When he had a sniff of the lead, it was basically over for everyone else.
10. Rory McIlroy
Rory’s had some Sunday struggles, sure—but when he’s on, he turns it up. His four major wins were all won with style and authority.
9. Scottie Scheffler
Scheffler has quickly become the guy who never folds under pressure. Whether it’s The Masters or a Sunday duel, he keeps his cool and closes like a veteran.
8. Byron Nelson
Nelson had a machine-like game and rarely blinked in pressure situations. His streak of 11 wins in a row is still the definition of unbeatable.
7. Seve Ballesteros
Seve’s flair for the dramatic made him must-watch TV. He could turn scrambles into birdies and collapse your confidence while smiling.
6. Arnold Palmer
The King had nerves of steel and a flair for drama. He brought charisma, but he also brought the clutch when it counted.
5. Walter Hagen
Hagen was built for match play pressure. He had swagger before it was a thing and lived for the big moments.
4. Phil Mickelson
Lefty made clutch look chaotic—but it worked. Whether it was his Masters win in 2004 or his PGA victory at 50, Phil delivered when it mattered most.
3. Gary Player
Player had a knack for showing up on Sundays with something magical. He was relentless, tough, and always in the mix.
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2. Jack Nicklaus
Jack didn’t just win—he pounced when the pressure peaked. Eighteen majors don’t happen by accident.
Read More: 10 Pitchers Who Talked a Big Game but Folded Under Pressure
1. Tiger Woods
Tiger made pressure his best friend. From chip-ins to fist pumps, he turned clutch into an art form.
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