The Most Famous Golfer of All Time, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the golfer you think is the most famous!

Updated on Apr 29, 2024 07:07

Golf enthusiasts often debate who the greatest golfer of all time is, citing records, style, and influence on the sport. Such discussions can enrich the community's understanding of golf's history and its defining figures. By ranking these athletes, fans contribute to a collective acknowledgment of excellence and celebrate the profound impact these players have had on the game. This dynamic ranking allows fans to cast their votes, bringing together diverse opinions and fostering a broad-based community engagement. As each vote alters the rankings, it reflects the changing perceptions and new insights that continuously shape the sport's narrative. This engaging process not only entertains but also educates the community about the legendary figures of golf.

Who Is the Most Famous Golfer of All Time?

1

89
votes
The White House from Washington, DC · Public domain

Tiger Woods

Considered by many as the greatest golfer of all time, Woods has won 15 major championships and 82 PGA Tour titles. He popularized the sport and brought in a new generation of fans.
Tiger Woods is a world-renowned professional golfer who has achieved legendary status in the field of golf. He is considered one of the most successful athletes of all time, known for his exceptional skills, incredible work ethic, and record-breaking achievements.

Major Championships: 15

PGA Tour wins: 82

World Golf Championships wins: 18

Longest streak as World Number 1: 281 weeks

Career Prize Money: Over $120 million
Tiger Woods in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular golf player
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous cheater
- Position 6 of 10 in Most successful celebrities of all time
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous person from Orlando
2

40
votes
Shealah Craighead · Public domain

Jack Nicklaus

Nicknamed "The Golden Bear," Nicklaus is a 18-time major champion and has won 73 PGA Tour titles. He is widely considered as one of the greatest golfers of all time.
Jack Nicklaus in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous golf course designer
3

34
votes
U.S. Coast Guard · Public domain

Arnold Palmer

Known as "The King," Palmer was one of the most charismatic and beloved golfers of all time. He won 7 major championships and 62 PGA Tour titles.
The Arnold Palmer is a refreshing non-alcoholic drink that combines equal parts of iced tea and lemonade. It is named after the professional golfer Arnold Palmer, who was known for enjoying this beverage. The combination of the iced tea's bitterness and the lemonade's sweetness creates a perfectly balanced and thirst-quenching flavor.

Ingredients: Iced tea and lemonade

Pportion: Equal parts of iced tea and lemonade

Flavor: Perfectly balanced mix of bitterness and sweetness

Type: Non-alcoholic beverage

Origin: United States
Arnold Palmer in other rankings
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular non-alcoholic drink in Texas
- Position 10 of 10 in Most popular Southern drink
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous Steelers fan
4

16
votes

New York World-Telegram and the Sun staff photographer: DeMarsico, Dick, photographer. · Public domain

Ben Hogan

Hogan won 9 major championships and 64 PGA Tour titles. He was known for his work ethic and his precise ball-striking.
5

10
votes

Photo by Kellar & White · Public domain

Bobby Jones

Jones was the first golfer to win the Grand Slam, all four major championships in a single year. He retired from golf at the age of 28 but left a lasting impact on the sport.
6

18
votes

ABC Television · Public domain

Sam Snead

Snead won 7 major championships and 82 PGA Tour titles, the most by any golfer. He was known for his natural talent and his unorthodox swing.
7

7
votes
Lady 11390 · Public domain

Gary Player

Player won 9 major championships and 24 PGA Tour titles. He was the first non-American to win the Masters and is considered one of the greatest golfers of all time.
Gary Player in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous Gary
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous golf course designer
8

9
votes

Peter from Liverpool, UK · CC BY-SA 2.0

Seve Ballesteros

Ballesteros won 5 major championships and 50 European Tour titles. He was known for his creativity and his ability to improvise shots.
9

14
votes
Ian Tilbrook · CC BY 2.0

Tom Watson

Tom Watson

Watson won 8 major championships and 39 PGA Tour titles. He was known for his clutch putting and his ability to perform under pressure.
The Tom Watson is a popular driver on the Senior Tour designed for experienced golfers looking for maximum distance and accuracy. It offers a combination of forgiveness and playability, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of swing styles.

Head Size: 460 cc

Material: Titanium composite

Loft: 9.5 degrees

Shaft Flex: Stiff

Shaft Material: Graphite
Tom Watson in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular driver on the Senior Tour
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous Sigma Chi
10

5
votes
Peetlesnumber1 · CC BY-SA 4.0

Phil Mickelson

Mickelson has won 5 major championships and 44 PGA Tour titles. He is known for his short game and his ability to recover from difficult shots.
Phil Mickelson in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular golf player

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Ranking factors for famous golfer

Overall Career Achievements

In addition to majors, other factors such as the total number of career wins, earnings, and accolades like earning player of the year awards can all be considered.
Popularity and Celebrity Status

The impact a golfer has had on the sport and their influence on popular culture can also be a factor in determining their fame.
Historical Significance

Some players may be considered more famous due to their impact on the sport during their era or their contribution to golf's history.
International Recognition

Success on a global scale can also be a factor in a player's fame.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous golfer of all time. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or golfer is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2791 views
230 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each golfer once every 24 hours. The rank of each golfer is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous golfer of all time

Golf has been a popular sport for centuries, and with its rise in popularity, many great golfers have emerged over the years. However, there is one name that stands out above the rest - Tiger Woods. Woods has dominated the golfing world since turning professional in 1996, winning a total of 82 PGA Tour events and 15 major championships. His impressive career has earned him the title of the most famous golfer of all time. But, there are other golfing legends who have made their mark on the sport, including Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Bobby Jones, to name a few. The debate over who is the greatest golfer of all time is ongoing, but there is no denying the impact that these athletes have had on the game.