Famous 20th Century Golfers

Right IconThis ranking is based on an algorithm that combines various factors, including the votes of our users and search trends on the internet.

Vote for Your Favourite 20th Century Golfers
 1 
Tiger Woods
(One of the Greatest Golfers of All Time)
Tiger Woods
14
Birthdate: December 30, 1975
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Cypress, California, United States

Tiger Woods is considered as one of the greatest golfers of all time. He had a great run throughout the first decade of the 21st century. Later he had to deal with infidelity issues, marital problems and divorce and injuries, but was able to make a comeback. He holds numerous golf records and has won many World Golf Championship.

 2 
Payne Stewart
(American Professional Golfer Who Won Eleven PGA Tour Events)
Payne Stewart
6
Birthdate: January 30, 1957
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Springfield, Missouri, United States
Died: October 25, 1999

Payne Stewart was a professional golfer famous for winning eleven PGA Tour events. He won his first major title at the 1989 PGA Championship and went on to win several other titles. He was much admired for his gracefully stylish and fluid golf swings. He died in an airplane accident at the age of 42. 

 3 
Bobby Jones
(Golfer)
Bobby Jones
4
Birthdate: March 17, 1902
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Died: December 18, 1971

Bobby Jones was an American amateur golfer and lawyer. One of the most important personalities in the history of golf, Jones founded or co-founded the Augusta National Golf Club as well as the Masters Tournament. He also helped design the Augusta. Bobby Jones’ innovations, which he brought to the Masters Tournameny, have been used in professional golf tournaments around the world.

Recommended Lists:
 4 
Seve Ballesteros
4
Birthdate: April 9, 1957
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Pedreña, Spain
Died: May 7, 2011
 5 
Gary Player
(One of the Greatest Golfers of All Time)
Gary Player
4
Birthdate: November 1, 1935
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Johannesburg, South Africa
South African former golfer Gary Player became the only non-American to win the career Grand Slam, at 29. Named to the World Golf Hall of Fame, he has earned more than 160 professional tournaments. He has also written golf books, designed golf courses, and launched The Player Foundation.
 6 
Tom Watson
(American Retired Professional Golfer)
Tom Watson
5
Birthdate: September 4, 1949
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Kansas City, Missouri, United States

Tom Watson is a retired professional golfer considered one of the leading golf players in the world in the 1970s and 1980s. During his illustrious career, he won eight major championships and headed the PGA Tour money list five times. He is counted among the greatest links players of all time and has won three Senior British Open Championship titles. 

 7 
Jack Nicklaus
(One of the Greatest Golfers of All Time)
Jack Nicklaus
2
Birthdate: January 21, 1940
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Columbus, Ohio, United States

Jack Nicklaus, also known as “The Golden Bear,” has 18 major golf championships to his credit. He has been part of 164 major golf tournaments and has won 117. He now designs golf courses through his company, Nicklaus Design. He has also authored many golf-related books, including an autobiography.

 8 
Vijay Singh
(Golfer)
Vijay Singh
3
Birthdate: February 22, 1963
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Lautoka, Viti Levu, Colonial Fiji
 9 
Francis Ouimet
(American Amateur Golfer)
Francis Ouimet
3
Birthdate: May 8, 1893
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Brookline, Massachusetts, United States
Died: September 2, 1967

Francis Ouimet was an amateur golfer often referred to as the "ather of amateur golf. He became interested in golf at an early age and won his first significant title when he was 20 years old. He went on to win the US Open in 1913. He was posthumously inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974. 

 10 
Sam Snead
(One of the Greatest Golf Players of All Time)
Sam Snead
3
Birthdate: May 27, 1912
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Ashwood, Virginia, United States
Died: May 23, 2002

Known to fans as The Slammer, American golfer Sam Snead ruled the PGA scene for decades and won more than 185 tournaments throughout his career. His record of 82 PGA tour victories remains unbroken. Cartoonist and golf lover Charles M. Schulz mentioned Snead often in his Peanuts strip.

 11 
Ernie Els
(South African Professional Golfer)
Ernie Els
3
Birthdate: October 17, 1969
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Johannesburg, South Africa

Ernie Els is a South African golfer renowned for his fluid golf swing and imposing physical stature, which has earned him the nickname, The Big Easy. A former World No. 1, Els has four major championships under his belt. Ernie Els is only one of six golfers to twice win the Open Championship as well as the U.S. Open.

 12 
Nick Faldo
(English Retired Professional Golfer and Television Commentator)
Nick Faldo
4
Birthdate: July 18, 1957
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, England
 13 
Arnold Palmer
(American Professional Golfer and One of the Greatest and Most Charismatic Players in the Sport’s History)
Arnold Palmer
2
Birthdate: September 10, 1929
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Latrobe, Pennsylvania, United States
Died: September 25, 2016

Arnold Palmer was an American golfer who won 62 PGA Tour titles in a career spanning over 60 years. Nicknamed The King, Palmer is considered one of the most charismatic and greatest players in the history of professional golf. He is seen as the first superstar who helped popularize the sport in the television age, which started in the '50s.

 14 
Greg Norman
(Australian Entrepreneur and Retired Professional Golfer)
Greg Norman
4
Birthdate: February 10, 1955
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Mount Isa, Australia

Greg Norman is an Australian retired professional golfer and entrepreneur. One of the greatest Australian golfers ever, Norman was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2001. In 2009, he was named in Queensland's Q150 Icons list as a sports legend. Also a philanthropist, Norman established the Greg Norman Golf Foundation, which provides guidance to students.

 15 
Walter Hagen
(American Professional Golfer and One of the Greatest Golfers Ever)
Walter Hagen
3
Birthdate: December 21, 1892
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Rochester, New York, United States
Died: October 6, 1969

A major figure in the early-20th century international golf, American golfer Walter Hagen is often hailed as the father of professional golf for his contributions towards raising the stature of the game. The first golfer to earn one million dollars, he registered 58 wins including eleven major championships and made golf popular in the USA, with his flair and style.

 16 
Johnny Miller
(American Former Professional Golfer)
Johnny Miller
3
Birthdate: April 29, 1947
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: San Francisco, California, United States

Johnny Miller is an American retired professional golfer. One of the world's best golfers during the mid-1970s, Miller won 25 PGA Tours, including two majors. In 1973, he became the first golfer to shoot 63 in the majors, winning the 1973 U.S. Open. In 1998, Johnny Miller was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

 17 
Sergio Garcia
4
Birthdate: January 9, 1980
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Borriol, Province of Castellón Castellón, Spain
 18 
Jim Furyk
(American Professional Golfer)
Jim Furyk
3
Birthdate: May 12, 1970
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: West Chester, Pennsylvania, United States

Professional golfer Jim Furyk was introduced to the game by his golfer father and continuing to nurture his game throughout his student years he turned pro at the age of 22 with the Nike Tour.  A regular on the PGA Tour since 1994 and PGA Tour Champions since 2020, he has 29 professional wins including the 2003 U.S. Open Championship.

 19 
Bryson DeChambeau
(American Professional Golfer)
Bryson DeChambeau
4
Birthdate: September 16, 1993
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Modesto, California, United States

Bryson DeChambeau is an American golfer who has won eight PGA Tours, including the 2020 U.S. Open. Having previously won the U.S. Amateur and the NCAA Division I championship, DeChambeau became the third player after Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods to win those three championships. Dubbed The Scientist, DeChambeau is known for his scientific and analytical approach to the sport.

 20 
Ben Hogan
(American Professional Golfer Who is One of the Greatest Players in the History of the Game)
Ben Hogan
0
Birthdate: August 13, 1912
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Stephenville, Texas, United States
Died: July 25, 1997

Ben Hogan was a professional golfer who is considered to be one of the greatest players in the history of the game. He won nine career professional major championships, tying with Gary Player for fourth all-time. He had a deep influence on golf swing theory. Famous for his legendary ball-striking ability, he also possessed fierce determination and an iron will.  

 21 
Byron Nelson
(One of the Greatest Golfers of All Time)
Byron Nelson
3
Birthdate: February 4, 1912
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Waxahachie, Texas, United States
Died: September 26, 2006

Byron Nelson was an American golfer who won 52 PGA Tour events during his career. Considered one of the greatest in the history of the sport, Nelson won five major championships in his 64 professional wins. In 1974, he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. In 1997, he won the PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement Award.

 22 
Lee Trevino
(One of the Greatest Players in Golf History)
Lee Trevino
0
Birthdate: December 1, 1939
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Garland, Texas, United States

Lee Trevino who dominated the golf course in the 1970s has six major championship titles to his credit in his prolific career. The Mexican-American who is affectionately nicknamed Supermex for his exploits with the golf club and The Merry Mex for his humour, features in the World Golf Hall of Fame. He appeared in a sports comedy film.

 23 
Davis Love III
(American Professional Golfer)
Davis Love III
3
Birthdate: April 13, 1964
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Charlotte, North Carolina

Davis Love III is an American golfer. Love has won 21 PGA Tour events, including a major championship, in his illustrious career. In 2012 and 2016, he was the captain of the U.S. Ryder Cup teams, helping his team win the 2016 Ryder Cup. In 2017, Davis Love III was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

 24 
Fred Couples
(Professional Golfer and Former World No. 1)
Fred Couples
0
Birthdate: October 3, 1959
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Seattle, Washington, United States

Fred Couples is a professional golfer who is a former World No.1. He has competed on the PGA Tour and the PGA Tour Champions and has won 64 professional tournaments. He is known for his long and accurate driving ability off the tee. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2013. 

 25 
Nick Price
(Former Zimbabwean Professional Golfer)
Nick Price
3
Birthdate: January 28, 1957
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Durban, South Africa

Nick Price is a Zimbabwean golfer who was considered the best player in the world in the mid-1990s; he was ranked number one as per the Official World Golf Ranking. He has won three major championships including two PGA Championships. In 2003, Nick Price was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

 26 
Louis Oosthuizen
3
Birthdate: October 19, 1982
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Mossel Bay

Louis Oosthuizen is a South African golfer best known as the winner of the 2010 Open Championship which was held in Scotland. In addition to winning the 2010 Open Championship, Oosthuizen has also finished runner-up in the other three major championships. In 2013, he became the fourth-ranked golfer in the world according to the Official World Golf Ranking.

 27 
Zach Johnson
(American Professional Golfer)
Zach Johnson
3
Birthdate: February 24, 1976
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Iowa City, Iowa, United States

Zach Johnson has been one of the most consistent players in the history of golf and first came to prominence with his victory over Tiger Woods at the 2007 Masters Tournament. The 12-time PGA Tour winner also co-owns the charity Zach Johnson Foundation, which aids underprivileged children in Iowa.

 28 
Hale Irwin
(American Professional Golfer and One of the Greatest Players in Champions Tour History)
Hale Irwin
2
Birthdate: June 3, 1945
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Joplin, Missouri, United States

Hale Irwin is an American golfer who has 20 PGA Tour titles under his belt, including three U.S. Opens. In 1990, he became the oldest U.S. Open champion at age 45. Irwin was one of the best golfers in the world during the '70s and '80s. He is also considered the greatest player in the history of the Champions Tour.

 29 
Annika Sörenstam
(One the Best Female Golfers of All Time)
Annika Sörenstam
3
Birthdate: October 9, 1970
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Bro, Sweden

Annika Sörenstam is a Swedish professional golfer who is often counted among the best female golfers of all time. She has won six Vare Trophies and eight Player of the Year awards. In 2003, Annika Sörenstam was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. In 2021, she was honored by Donald Trump with the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom.

 30 
Bernhard Langer
3
Birthdate: August 27, 1957
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Anhausen (today part of Diedorf municipality), Bavaria, West Germany
 31 
David Duval
(American Professional Golfer)
David Duval
3
Birthdate: November 9, 1971
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Jacksonville, Florida
 32 
Justin Rose
(English Professional Golfer)
Justin Rose
2
Birthdate: July 30, 1980
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Johannesburg, South Africa
 33 
Cheyenne Woods
5
Birthdate: July 25, 1990
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Phoenix

Cheyenne Woods is an American golfer and half-niece of popular golfer Tiger Woods. After winning over 30 amateur tournaments, Woods turned professional in 2012; she qualified for the U.S. Women's Open in 2012 and went on to make her debut as a professional at the 2012 LPGA Championship. Cheyenne Woods has won two professional tournaments so far in her career.

 34 
Raymond Floyd
(American Retired Golfer)
Raymond Floyd
2
Birthdate: September 4, 1942
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Fort Bragg, North Carolina, United States

Raymond Floyd is an American former professional golfer. He has won several tournaments, including 22 PGA Tour events. He has also competed in Senior PGA Tours, winning three senior majors. Floyd has represented U.S. national teams in tournaments like the Ryder Cup and the Dunhill Cup. He was made an inductee of the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1989.

 35 
Webb Simpson
(American Professional Golfer)
Webb Simpson
5
Birthdate: August 8, 1985
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Raleigh, North Carolina

A major figure in the early-twentieth century international golf, American golfer Walter Hagen is often hailed as the father of professional golf for his contributions towards raising the stature of the game. The first golfer to earn one million dollars, he registered 58 wins including eleven major championships and made golf popular in the USA with his flair and style.

 36 
Billy Casper
(American Professional Golfer)
Billy Casper
2
Birthdate: June 24, 1931
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: San Diego, California, United States
Died: February 7, 2015

Billy Casper was an American golfer who won three majors, including two U.S. Open Championships, in an illustrious professional career that spanned more than two decades. One of the best performers on the PGA Tour of his generation, Casper won 51 PGA Tour events. In 1978, Billy Casper was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

 37 
Pádraig Harrington
(Irish Professional Golfer)
Pádraig Harrington
3
Birthdate: August 31, 1971
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland

Irish golfer Padraig Harrington had started training in golf at age 5. Now a multiple Ryder Cup winner and a PGA champion, he has also won 2 British Open championship titles. He has been twice named the European Tour Golfer of the Year. He is promotes the Special Olympics as its global ambassador.

 38 
John Daly
(Golfer)
John Daly
2
Birthdate: April 28, 1966
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Carmichael, California, United States
Golfer John Daly, or "Long John,” has won various PGA championships and is known for his victory in the 1995 Open Championship, over Costantino Rocca. He has also released music albums and a line of video games known as John Daly's ProStroke Golf. He owns a golf-course design firm, too.
 39 
Shane Lowry
(Golfer)
Shane Lowry
3
Birthdate: April 2, 1987
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Clara, County Offaly, Ireland

Irish golfer Shane Lowry became the second from his country to win a Major Championship title. Born to celebrated Gaelic footballer Brendan Lowry, Shane was always interested in sports. The 2015 World Golf Championship winner also supports his country’s Gaelic sports club. He was the third amateur to score a European Tour title.

 40 
Colin Montgomerie
3
Birthdate: June 23, 1963
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Glasgow
 41 
Peter Thomson
(Only Golfer in the Modern Era to Win a Major Three Times in Succession)
Peter Thomson
2
Birthdate: August 23, 1929
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Melbourne, Australia
Died: June 20, 2018

Peter Thomson was an Australian golfer best remembered for winning the Open Championship on five occasions between 1954 and 1965. He won three consecutive Championship titles in 1954, 1955, and 1956, becoming the only modern era golfer to win a major on three successive occasions. In 1988, Peter Thomson was made an inductee of the World Golf Hall of Fame.   

 42 
Harry Vardon
(Golfer)
Harry Vardon
3
Birthdate: May 9, 1870
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Grouville, Jersey, Channel Islands
Died: March 20, 1937
 43 
Jean van de Velde
3
Birthdate: May 29, 1966
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Mont-de-Marsan, France
 44 
Lanny Wadkins
(American Professional Golfer)
Lanny Wadkins
2
Birthdate: December 5, 1949
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Richmond, Virginia, United States

Lanny Wadkins is an American golfer who has won 21 PGA Tour events, including the 1977 PGA Championship. He has also won events at European Tour, Japan Golf Tour, and Champions Tour. Wadkins has also represented the national team, helping his team win multiple Ryder Cups. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2009.

 45 
Nancy Lopez
(American Professional Golfer)
Nancy Lopez
5
Birthdate: January 6, 1957
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Torrance, California, United States

Nancy Lopez is an American former professional golfer. She won 48 LPGA Tour events, including three majors, in an illustrious professional career that spanned more than 25 years. She was also part of the U.S. national team, helping her team win the 1990 Solheim Cup. In 1987, Nancy Lopez was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

 46 
Nathaniel Crosby
(American Golfer)
Nathaniel Crosby
3
Birthdate: October 29, 1961
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Hillsborough, California, United States

Nathaniel Crosby is an American golfer who won the 1981 US Amateur Championship. Crosby represented the U.S. national team on a couple of occasions. In 1982, he helped his team win the Eisenhower Trophy. In 1983, he was part of the team that won the Walker Cup. He was also non-playing captain of the 2019 and 2021 Walker Cup teams.

 47 
Eddie Lowery
(American Golfer and Businessman)
Eddie Lowery
5
Birthdate: October 14, 1902
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Newton, Massachusetts, United States
Died: May 4, 1984

Although he is best remembered as the 10-year-old who caddied for Francis Ouimet in the winning playoff at the 1913 U.S. Open, Eddie Lowery was also an amateur golfer in his own right. Raised in Massachusetts, he later moved to San Francisco, where he became a multimillionaire from his auto dealership and championed the amateur careers of many budding golfers.

 48 
Gene Sarazen
(American Professional Golfer Who Was a World-Class Player in the 1920s and 1930s)
Gene Sarazen
3
Birthdate: February 27, 1902
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Harrison, New York, United States
Died: May 13, 1999

Gene Sarazen was an American golfer who won seven major championships. Regarded as one of the greatest golfers of his generation, Sarazen is one of the five golfers who have achieved a Career Grand Slam. In 1974, he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. In 1992, Sarazen was honored with the prestigious Bob Jones Award.

 49 
Chi-Chi Rodríguez
(Puerto Rican Professional Golfer)
Chi-Chi Rodríguez
3
Birthdate: October 23, 1935
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico

Chi-Chi Rodríguez is a Puerto Rican golfer best known for winning eight PGA Tour titles between 1963 and 1979. In 1989, he won two prestigious awards, namely the Old Tom Morris Award and the Bob Jones Award. In 1992, Chi-Chi Rodríguez became the first Puerto Rican to be made an inductee of the World Golf Hall of Fame.

 50 
Fuzzy Zoeller
(American Professional Golfer)
Fuzzy Zoeller
3
Birthdate: November 11, 1951
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: New Albany, Indiana, United States

Fuzzy Zoeller is a golfer who has 19 professional wins under his belt. Zoeller has won 10 PGA Tour events, including the 1979 Masters Tournament and the 1984 U.S. Open. His performance in the U.S. Open earned him the Bob Jones Award in 1985. Zoeller has represented the U.S. team, helping his team win the 1979 and 1983 Ryder Cups.