Golf has been home to some of the most dominant athletes in sports history. Whether they revolutionized the game, racked up major championships, or simply dazzled with their skill, these players left an indelible mark on the sport.
While it’s tough to compare golfers across different eras, their accomplishments speak for themselves. Here are the 30 greatest golfers of all time.
30. Tom Morris

Known as the “Grand Old Man of Golf,” Tom Morris was one of the sport’s earliest icons. He won four Open Championships in the 1860s and set a record for the largest margin of victory in a major (13 strokes) that stood until Tiger Woods surpassed it in 2000. His contributions to course design and golf’s early development make him a foundational figure in the game.
29. Mickey Wright

One of the greatest female golfers of all time, Mickey Wright dominated the LPGA in the 1950s and ‘60s. She won 82 LPGA events, including 13 major championships, and is the only golfer—male or female—to hold all four major titles simultaneously. Injuries cut her career short, but her legacy is undeniable.
28. Bobby Locke

A pioneer of South African golf, Bobby Locke won The Open Championship four times and captured 15 PGA Tour wins. Back home, he was nearly untouchable, racking up more than 50 victories, including nine South African Open titles. His unorthodox putting style and precision made him a legend of the game.
27. Babe Didrikson Zaharias

An all-around sports phenom, Babe Didrikson Zaharias excelled in multiple sports, winning gold medals in track and field before turning to golf. She won 10 LPGA major championships and helped bring women’s golf into the mainstream. Her impact on the game—and sports in general—is immeasurable.
26. Annika Sörenstam

Annika Sörenstam was a dominant force in women’s golf, winning 96 professional tournaments, including 10 majors. Known for her precision and consistency, she retired in 2008 as one of the greatest LPGA players ever, paving the way for future generations of female golfers.
25. Patty Berg

One of the LPGA’s founding members, Patty Berg still holds the record for most major championships won by a female golfer (15). A trailblazer for women’s golf, she was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame and remains one of the sport’s most respected figures.
24. Cheyenne Knight

Knight played college golf at the University of Alabama, where she shined in multiple SEC tournaments. She has secured two LPGA victories, winning her first in 2019 and adding another in 2023. Still early in her career, she has a bright future ahead on the LPGA Tour.
23. Betsy King

A six-time major champion, Betsy King was a dominant force on the LPGA Tour in the 1980s and ‘90s. With 34 LPGA wins, she remains one of the most accomplished female golfers in history.
22. Louise Suggs

A co-founder of the LPGA, Louise Suggs played a crucial role in shaping women’s professional golf. With 58 career wins and 11 major championships, she was a dominant player and an influential figure in the sport’s history.
21. Kathy Whitworth

Kathy Whitworth holds the record for the most wins in LPGA history with 88 victories. Her remarkable consistency and longevity set her apart as one of the greatest competitors in the sport.
20. Greg Norman

Known as “The Great White Shark,” Greg Norman was one of golf’s most dominant players in the 1980s and ‘90s. He spent 331 weeks as the world’s No. 1 golfer and won two Open Championships. Though major heartbreaks haunted his career, his aggressive style made him a fan favorite.
19. Rory McIlroy

A four-time major champion, Rory McIlroy is one of the most talented golfers of the modern era. With over 40 professional victories, including two PGA Championships, a U.S. Open, and an Open Championship, he’s still chasing the elusive Masters win to complete his career Grand Slam.
18. Vijay Singh

Despite controversies, Vijay Singh amassed an incredible 66 professional victories, including three major championships. His relentless work ethic and longevity cemented his place among golf’s all-time greats.
17. Billy Casper

Often overshadowed by legends like Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, Billy Casper still won 51 PGA Tour events, including three majors. His ability to grind out victories in an era filled with superstars speaks to his underrated greatness.
16. Ernie Els

One of the best golfers of the Tiger Woods era, Ernie Els won four majors and 19 PGA Tour events. His smooth swing and ability to rise to the occasion in big moments earned him a well-deserved Hall of Fame induction.
15. Walter Hagen

Before Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, Walter Hagen was the first golf superstar. His 11 major championships stood as a record for decades, and he was a major driving force in making professional golf a viable career.
14. Nick Faldo

One of the best European golfers ever, Nick Faldo won six major championships, including three Masters titles. His technical precision and ability to thrive under pressure made him a dominant force in the late 1980s and early ‘90s.
13. Lee Trevino

A six-time major champion, Lee Trevino was one of the most charismatic and skilled golfers of his generation. His unconventional swing and fearless personality made him a fan favorite worldwide.
12. Byron Nelson

Byron Nelson’s 1945 season remains one of the greatest in golf history—he won 18 tournaments, including 11 in a row. A gentleman of the sport, his contributions extended beyond his playing career, influencing generations of golfers.
11. Seve Ballesteros

Ballesteros brought flair and creativity to golf, winning five major championships and helping popularize the sport in Europe. His leadership in the Ryder Cup and brilliant shot-making ability make him one of golf’s all-time greats.
10. Phil Mickelson

With six major championships and 45 PGA Tour wins, Mickelson is one of golf’s most enduring figures. His thrilling style and legendary short game earned him a massive fan following. In 2021, he became the oldest major winner in golf history, cementing his legacy.
9. Gene Sarazen

One of only five golfers to complete a career Grand Slam, Gene Sarazen was a pioneer of the sport. He is credited with inventing the modern sand wedge, changing how golf was played.
8. Gary Player

One of golf’s most accomplished international players, Gary Player won nine majors and over 150 tournaments worldwide. His dedication to fitness and global impact on the game remain unparalleled.
7. Tom Watson

An eight-time major winner, Watson dominated links golf, winning five Open Championships. His battles with Jack Nicklaus defined a generation, and his near-win at age 59 in the 2009 Open remains one of golf’s great stories.
6. Bobby Jones

As an amateur, Bobby Jones won 13 major championships and co-founded The Masters. His impact on the game extends beyond his playing career, as Augusta National remains one of golf’s most iconic venues.
5. Ben Hogan

Known for his unmatched ball-striking and legendary comeback from a near-fatal car crash, Hogan won nine majors and remains one of golf’s most technically brilliant players.
4. Arnold Palmer

“The King” popularized golf like no one before him. His four Masters titles and swashbuckling playing style made him a global icon, bringing golf into the television era.
3. Sam Snead

With 82 PGA Tour wins, Snead’s longevity and effortless swing made him one of the game’s greats. His record stood for decades before being tied by Tiger Woods.
2. Tiger Woods

Woods revolutionized golf, winning 15 majors and spending an unprecedented 683 weeks as world No. 1. His dominance in the early 2000s is unmatched, and his comeback Masters win in 2019 is one of sports’ greatest moments.
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1. Jack Nicklaus

The greatest major champion in history, Nicklaus won 18 majors, including six Masters titles. His ability to rise to the occasion under pressure makes him golf’s ultimate legend.
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