The 15 greatest golfers of all time - ranked

Golf is undoubtedly one of the most challenging sports in the world, a discipline where rigour and mental strength are key. It’s a battle against oneself. Throughout its history, golf has produced incredible champions. Here are the 15 greatest, according to Sports Unlimited News. Statistics sourced from the PGA Tour website.

Although he has "only" won four Majors in his career, Rory McIlroy has been the face of golf from the late 2010s to today. An exceptionally talented and universally respected player, his influence on the sport is immense, making him the biggest active star in the game.

Another legend of the 21st century is Phil Mickelson. Alongside Tiger Woods, he dominated the circuit in the early 2000s, winning six Majors, including an extraordinary PGA Championship in 2021 at the age of 50, making him the oldest Major winner in history. With 45 PGA Tour victories, Mickelson is a fan favourite, thanks to his engaging personality.

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Gene Sarazen is one of only five players to achieve a career Grand Slam, winning all four Majors (Masters, US PGA, US Open and British Open). He claimed seven Majors in total, including the 1935 Masters, which featured an unforgettable albatross (-3 on one hole) that remains one of golf’s most iconic moments.

British legend Harry Vardon was almost unbeatable in his homeland in the early 20th century. He won the British Open six times, a record that still stands. A pioneer in popularising golf, he is also known for creating the "Vardon grip," still used by many golfers today. He was one of the sport’s earliest stars.

With eight Major wins, including five British Opens, Tom Watson was one of the finest golfers of the 1970s and 1980s. A fierce rival of Jack Nicklaus, Watson stood out for his character and style.

When it comes to charisma, talent and creativity, Seve Ballesteros is one of the greatest in history. The Spaniard was a trailblazer in European golf. With five Majors and over 90 career victories, he helped popularise the sport in the 1980s.

Byron Nelson made history in 1945, winning 18 tournaments in one season, including 11 in a row – a record that still stands. He secured five Majors and 52 PGA Tour titles in total.

Gary Player is a standout example of professionalism and longevity. The first non-American to complete the career Grand Slam, he won nine Majors and more than 160 professional titles worldwide. Even at over 85, he continues to play, cementing his legendary status.

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Nicknamed "The Haig," Walter Hagen was a pioneer of professionalism in golf. With 11 Major victories, he ranks third in the all-time list, behind only Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus.

Arnold Palmer played a huge role in popularising golf in the 1950s and 1960s. With seven Majors and 62 PGA Tour wins, 'The King' was as talented as he was beloved, known for his unique swing. His legacy also includes founding the Golf Channel and extensive charity work.

Sam Snead holds the record for the most PGA Tour victories, with 82 titles, tied with Tiger Woods. Known for his elegant swing, Snead won seven Majors and, like Gary Player, exemplified longevity.

Ben Hogan is often regarded as one of the greatest technicians in golf. He won nine Majors and 64 PGA Tour titles in total. Hogan is famed for his remarkable comeback after a near-fatal car accident in 1949. He won six of his nine Majors after recovering. His book 'Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf' remains a classic.

Bobby Jones, an amateur throughout his career, is a legendary figure in golf. He is the only man to achieve the Grand Slam in a single year, in 1930, winning the US Open, British Open, US Amateur and British Amateur. As the founder of the Masters at Augusta, Jones is one of the sport’s most significant figures, with 13 Majors to his name.

Jack Nicklaus is widely regarded as the greatest golfer of all time. 'The Golden Bear' won 18 Majors, a record that still stands, and 73 PGA Tour titles. Nicklaus was renowned for his calmness under pressure. His victory at the 1986 Masters, aged 46, remains one of golf’s most iconic moments.

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