Golf, a game with 66.6 million players and a $84 billion U.S. economic impact, has given the world icons like Jack Nicklaus (18 majors) and Tiger Woods (683 weeks at No. 1). Discover the legends who shaped golf’s history and inspired generations!

Golf has a long history, dating back to the 15th century, and has grown into one of the most popular sports worldwide. According to the National Golf Foundation, there were over 66.6 million golfers globally in 2023, with the sport generating approximately $84 billion in economic impact annually in the United States alone. 

The professional circuit, governed by organisations like the PGA Tour, European Tour, and LIV Golf, continues to attract millions of viewers, with major championships like the Masters, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and PGA Championship drawing peak television ratings.

Some golfers have set themselves apart through record-breaking performances, career longevity, and global influence. The greatest golfers of all time have achieved multiple major victories, dominated professional tours, and left a lasting impact on the game. 

For example, Jack Nicklaus holds the record for 18 major championship wins, while Tiger Woods has the most weeks spent as world number one (683 weeks). Sam Snead and Tiger Woods share the record for the most PGA Tour wins (82 each), while Gary Player holds the distinction of winning over 160 professional tournaments worldwide.

This article highlights the greatest golfers of all time, focusing on their major wins, career achievements, and contributions to the sport.

13 Greatest Golfers of All Time

1. Jack Nicklaus

• Major Championships: 18
• PGA Tour Wins: 73
• Total Professional Wins: 117

Jack Nicklaus, known as "The Golden Bear," holds the record for the most major championships in golf history, with 18 titles. His ability to perform under pressure and strategise his way around courses made him a dominant force for over two decades. Nicklaus won his first major at the 1962 U.S. Open and continued his dominance through the 1986 Masters, where he won at the age of 46, becoming the tournament's oldest champion.

Nicklaus's success extended beyond his playing career. He played a key role in designing over 400 golf courses worldwide and contributed to the development of the sport through instructional books and tournament promotion. His foundation, Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation, continues to make a significant impact.

2. Tiger Woods

• Major Championships: 15
• PGA Tour Wins: 82 (Tied for most with Sam Snead)
• Total Professional Wins: 110

Tiger Woods is one of the most transformative figures in golf. Turning professional in 1996, he quickly became the sport's most dominant player, winning his first major at the 1997 Masters by 12 strokes. Woods went on to achieve the "Tiger Slam" in 2000-2001, holding all four major titles simultaneously.

Woods’s 2008 U.S. Open victory, where he played with a fractured leg and torn ACL, remains one of golf’s most remarkable feats. His 2019 Masters victory after multiple surgeries and setbacks further cemented his legacy. He has also influenced golf's global appeal, drawing new audiences and significantly increasing prize money for players.

3. Arnold Palmer

• Major Championships: 7
• PGA Tour Wins: 62
• Total Professional Wins: 95

Arnold Palmer, often called "The King," played a major role in popularising golf in the television era. His swashbuckling style, aggressive approach, and charisma won over millions of fans. His rivalry with Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player helped shape golf’s golden era in the 1960s.

Palmer's impact on the sport extended beyond playing. He co-founded the Golf Channel, designed over 300 golf courses, and established the Arnold Palmer Invitational, a prestigious PGA Tour event. His contributions to charity, particularly through the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, remain a lasting legacy.

4. Ben Hogan

• Major Championships: 9
• PGA Tour Wins: 64
• Total Professional Wins: 71

Ben Hogan is regarded as one of the greatest ball-strikers in golf history. His swing mechanics, discipline, and precision made him a model for aspiring golfers. Hogan’s career nearly ended in 1949 after a near-fatal car accident, but he made a miraculous comeback to win six more majors, including three in 1953 alone.

Hogan’s book, Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf, remains one of the most widely read golf instruction books. His influence on golf technique and mental approach has endured for generations.

5. Bobby Jones

• Major Championships: 13 (Including Amateur Majors)
• Total Professional Wins: 23

Bobby Jones is one of the greatest amateur golfers of all time, achieving the sport's only Grand Slam in 1930 by winning all four major championships of his era—the U.S. Open, The Open Championship, U.S. Amateur, and British Amateur.

After retiring from competitive golf at the age of 28, Jones co-founded Augusta National Golf Club and played a pivotal role in creating the Masters Tournament. His influence on golf extends beyond his playing career, as Augusta remains one of the most iconic courses in the world.

6. Sam Snead

• Major Championships: 7
• PGA Tour Wins: 82 (Tied with Tiger Woods for most)
• Total Professional Wins: 165

Sam Snead was known for his effortless swing and longevity in professional golf. His seven major championships include three Masters, three PGA Championships, and one Open Championship. Snead competed at a high level well into his 60s and remains the oldest player to make the cut in a major at 67.

Snead's swing remains a point of study for modern golfers, and his 82 PGA Tour victories are a testament to his sustained excellence.

7. Gary Player

• Major Championships: 9
• PGA Tour Wins: 24
• Total Professional Wins: 160

Gary Player, often referred to as the "Black Knight," is one of the most successful international golfers in history. Hailing from South Africa, Player won nine major championships, including three Masters titles, three Open Championships, two PGA Championships, and one U.S. Open. He is one of only five players to have achieved the Career Grand Slam, a testament to his versatility and skill.

Player’s dedication to fitness and his relentless work ethic set him apart from his peers. He was known for his rigorous training regimen, which was ahead of its time, and his ability to compete at the highest level well into his 40s. Beyond his playing career, Player has been a global ambassador for golf, designing over 400 courses worldwide and promoting the sport’s growth in emerging markets. His contributions to golf extend far beyond his victories, making him a true legend of the game.

8. Tom Watson

• Major Championships: 8
• PGA Tour Wins: 39
• Total Professional Wins: 70

Tom Watson is widely regarded as one of the finest links golfers in history, with a career defined by his dominance at The Open Championship and his legendary rivalry with Jack Nicklaus. 

Watson’s rivalry with Jack Nicklaus reached its peak during the 1977 Open Championship at Turnberry, where the two engaged in the famous "Duel in the Sun." Watson ultimately triumphed by a single stroke, cementing his status as one of the game’s greats. His consistency during the late 1970s and early 1980s was remarkable, as he held the world number one ranking for several years.

One of the most memorable moments of Watson’s career came in 2009, when, at the age of 59, he nearly won The Open Championship at Turnberry. Leading the tournament heading into the final hole, Watson narrowly missed a par putt that would have secured his sixth Claret Jug. Although he lost in a playoff to Stewart Cink, his performance remains one of the most inspiring displays of longevity in golf history.

9. Walter Hagen

• Major Championships: 11
• PGA Tour Wins: 45
• Total Professional Wins: 58

Walter Hagen, often referred to as "The Haig," was a trailblazer who helped elevate the status of professional golfers during the early 20th century. With 11 major championships to his name, Hagen ranks third on the all-time list, behind only Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. Hagen was also the first American-born player to win The Open Championship, paving the way for future generations of U.S. golfers.

He was the first golfer to earn over $1 million in prize money, and his flamboyant personality and showmanship helped popularise the sport. Hagen’s famous quote, "I don’t want to be a millionaire, I just want to live like one," encapsulates his larger-than-life persona.

Hagen’s played a key role in the early years of the Ryder Cup, captaining the U.S. team six times and helping to establish the event as one of golf’s premier tournaments. 

10. Phil Mickelson

• Major Championships: 6
• PGA Tour Wins: 45
• Total Professional Wins: 57

Phil Mickelson, affectionately known as "Lefty," is one of the most beloved and accomplished golfers of his generation. With six major championships, including three Masters titles, Mickelson has cemented his place among the game’s all-time greats. 

Mickelson’s career has been defined by his rivalry with Tiger Woods, which captivated golf fans for over two decades. While Woods often overshadowed Mickelson in terms of major victories, Mickelson’s consistency and longevity have been remarkable. In 2021, at the age of 50, he became the oldest major winner in history by capturing the PGA Championship at Kiawah Island. 

Beyond his major wins, Mickelson has amassed 45 PGA Tour victories, placing him among the top 10 on the all-time list. 

Final thoughts 

The greatest golfers of all time have not only mastered the technical aspects of the game but have also demonstrated resilience, mental strength, and a commitment to excellence. Their achievements have set records, redefined competitive standards, and contributed to the evolution of golf as a global sport. Players like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods have raised the bar with their dominance in major tournaments, while legends such as Arnold Palmer and Gary Player expanded the sport’s reach and appeal beyond traditional audiences.

Each golfer on this list has left an imprint on the game in their own unique way. Some, like Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen, played pivotal roles in shaping professional golf during its early years. Others, such as Seve Ballesteros and Lee Trevino, introduced creativity and personality to the sport, making it more entertaining for spectators. The likes of Phil Mickelson and Tom Watson have shown remarkable longevity, proving that experience and adaptability are just as important as youthful talent.