25 Greatest Male Golfers of All-Time - The Top 10

TEN

Severiano Ballesteros

Three-time Winner of The Open Championship (1979, 1984, 1989)

Two-time Winner of The Masters Tournament (1980, 1983)

91 Professional Wins

50 Wins on the European Tour

Six-time European Order of Merit Winner

World Number One (61 Weeks)

Eight Ryder Cup Appearances (1997 European Ryder Cup Captain)

Seve Ballesteros. Quite simply, for Europe, he was what Arnold Palmer was to the United States. A swashbuckling imaginative player, whose creativity and skill thrilled, and inspired, millions. He learned the game on a beach, near his hometown of Pedrena. Still in his teens, he became an international star, at Royal Birkdale, in 1976. He led by two shots after the third round, of the 1976 Open, but a final round 74 saw him tie with Jack Nicklaus, six shots behind the winner Johnny Miller. Seve would go on to win The Open on three occasions, at Lytham (1979, 1989), and iconically at St Andrews. He described his winning putt, in 1984, as being "the happiest moment of my whole sporting life." He also became the first European to win The Masters. Perhaps no one had a greater impact in the growth of the Ryder Cup, than Seve, who won 22.5 points in 37 matches. His passion, and incredible partnership alongside Jose Maria Olazabal, inspired the European to victory. As back trouble took its toll, Seve didn't win a Major after 1988, but he continued to lead Europe, and Captained the team to victory in 1997. Tragically Seve's life was cut short, in 2011, after passing away from brain cancer. His courage during his final years continued to inspire, just as he had done on the golf course. No one has done had a greater impact, in the growth of the European Tour, and the Ryder Cup. His charisma, smile, and passion, and aggressive style of play, made him one of the most thrilling, and popular, players of the modern era. Every player in Europe should thank Seve. As they are privileged, just as we were as viewers. Seveeriano Ballesteros: Truly the Greatest European of All-Time.

NINE

Sam Snead

Three-time Winner of The Masters Tournament (1949, 1952, 1954)

Winner of the 1946 Open Championship

Three-time Winner of the PGA Championship (1942, 1949, 1952)

165 Professional Wins

82 Wins on the PGA Tour

Oldest Winner on the PGA Tour

Eight Ryder Cup Appearances

"Slammin' Sammy" Snead. One of the finest players to have ever played the game. Possessing one of the smoothest, and most technically sound swings of all-time, Snead achieved remarkable success over five decades. Winning 82 times on the PGA Tour, more than any other player in history, Snead's status in the game is forever guaranteed. Alongside Ben Hogan, and Byron Nelson, Snead generated increasing popularity for the game, as their rivalry inspired millions to get involved with the sport. Snead's most remarkable feat was his longevity. Winning at the age of 52 on the PGA Tour, Snead continued to have success in his 60s, finishing; 3rd at the 1974 PGA, at the age of 62. He is the only player to have posted a top-ten finish, in majors, in five different decades. He is also the oldest player to make the cut in a major (67 at the 1979 PGA). Snead later became an honorary start at the Masters, a position he held to 2002, just prior to his death. There have been few better players than Sam Snead, one of the most recognisable, and iconic, players of the 20th century.

EIGHT

Tom Watson

Five-time Winner of The Open Championship (1975, 1977, 1980, 1982, 1983)

Two-time Winner of The Masters Tournament (1977, 1981)

Winner of the 1982 U.S. Open 

39 Wins on the PGA Tour

14 Wins on the Champions Tour (Including Six Majors)

Four Ryder Cup Appearances (1993, 2014 USA Captain)

In the late 1970s, and early 80s, there was no better player than Tom Watson. Between 1977, and 1983, he won seven major championships, and 30 PGA Tour events. An astonishing record, which would surely have been extended, had Watson's putting, once clinical, not deteriorated. Arguably the greatest links player of the modern era, Watson has continued to carry the values and traditions of the game. A tough competitor, but possessing a gentlemanly nature, Watson trancends transcends what makes Golf great. For that, in addition to his incredible talent, Watson is universally respected. 32 years after, arguably his greatest victory, Tom Watson returned to Turnberry, as a 59 year-old former champion, playing out, what, would have been, his penultimate Open. However, Watson rolled back the generations, thrilling his beloved Scottish fans, and creating one of the greatest stories in the history of the game. He found himself on the 72nd hole, with one-shot lead, for victory, to tie Harry Vardon's record six-wins. Ultimately, it slipped from his grasp, and he lost the subsequent playoff. Watson left Turnberry with a whole new generation of admirers, who will have now reviewed his status as one of the game's greatest ever players. Tom Watson represents everything that we, as golfers, love about this wonderful game. For that alone, Watson is one of the true Greats.

SEVEN

Walter Hagen

Four-time Winner of The Open Championship (1922, 1924, 1928, 1929)

Five-time Winner of the PGA Championship (1921, 1924, 1925, 1926, 1927)

Two-time Winner of the U.S. Open (1914, 1919)

45 Wins on the PGA Tour

Fie-time Winner of the Western Open

Six-time Ryder Cup Captain

Walter Hagen was the most successful player of his generation. A tremendous player, who dominated throughout the 1920s, winning eleven major championships, in addition to five Western Opens, which held similar status at that time. However, it was also Hagen's impact to the growth of professional golf, that deserves significant recognition. Assertively promoting the status of professional golfers, and the business of golf, through endorsements. Throughout his career, he played hundreds of exhibition matches, all across the United States and around the world; these tours popularised golf to an immense degree. Gene Sarazen, ten years Hagen's junior, once remarked: "All the professionals ... should say a silent thanks to Walter Hagen each time they stretch a check between their fingers. It was Walter who made professional golf what it is." Walter Hagen, one of the most successful, important, and Greatest Golfers of All-Time.

SIX

Gary Player

Winner of the Career Grand Slam

Three-time Winner of The Masters Tournament (1961, 1974, 1978)

Winner of the 1965 U.S. Open

Three-time Winner of The Open Championship (1959, 1968, 1974)

Two-time Winner of the PGA Championship (1962, 1972)

165 Professional Wins

Played in 52 Masters Tournaments

Truly an international player. Winning 165 titles on six continents, over six decades. No player has worked hard for his success. Travelling all over the world, ammassing 15 million miles of flying, Player set a precedent for foreign players to achieve significant success in the United States. He is the only non-American to achieve the Grand Slam, and, as a result, he became one of Golf's "Big Three" of the 1960s, alongside Arnold Palmer, and Jack Nicklaus, who carried, and grew, the popularity of the game. A fitness fanatic, Player set a precedent for players to condition themselves, to achieve maximum performance, and career longevity. Player certainly achieved that, by playing in, a remarkable, 52 Masters Tournaments (over a 53 year period). To put that into perspective, think of it this way; Gary Player spent one full year of his life playing in The Masters. Few have done more to promote the game, and as he enters his late 70s, continues to do so. An inspiration to golfers worldwide, he proved that with hard work, and dedication, you can achieve anything. For that, and more, Gary Player is truly one of the Greatest player of all-time.

FIVE

Arnold Palmer

Four-time Winner of The Masters Tournament (1958, 1960, 1962, 1964)

Winner of the 1960 U.S. Open

Two-time Winner of The Open Championship (1961, 1962)

Winner of the 1954 U.S. Amateur

62 Wins on the PGA Tour

Six Ryder Cup Appearances (1975 Captain)

Host of the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill

One of the most popular players of all-time. Palmer revolutionised the popularity of the professional game, as it entered the television age. With his charisma, good looks, and aggressive style of play, Palmer encapsulated the era, and was the perfect individual to carry the growing popularity of the game. Alongside Gary Player, and Jack Nicklaus, Palmer was a member of the "Big Three", their competitive rivalry grew the game enormously, with Palmer as the crowd favourite. He was the hero of American golf, the superstar, and the King. As his playing career began to slide, his popularity did not, and he continued to be followed by his dedicated members of "Arnie's Army" around the fairways of Augusta National for decades to come. One of the most talented players ever, and arguably it's most important star. Without Arnold Palmer, the professional game would not have grown in the manner that it did. For that, everyone should be thankful, as those who were thrilled by his play were. Arnold Palmer truly is one of the greats, in every meaning of the word.

FOUR

Bobby Jones

Achieved the "old" Grand Slam (1930)

Four-time Winner of the U.S. Open (1923, 1926, 1929, 1930)

Three-time Winner of The Open Championship (1926, 1927, 1930)

Five-time Winner of the U.S. Amateur (1924, 1925, 1927, 1928, 1930)

Winner of the 1930 British Amateur

Founder of The Masters Tournament

One of the most remarkable players ever. As an amateur, he dominated the greatest Championships in the game, and did so until his retirement at the age of 28. Winning 13 of the "old" majors, including all four in one year, Jones was an astonishing talent. As a result of his success, Jones became one of the most well-known athletes in the world, and, with it, contributed greatly to the growth of golf in the 1920s, and 1930s. Every year, his legacy is celebrated, at Augusta Nationa; a course which he designed to be his private retreat, in The Masters Tournament. Jones set in place, arguably, golf's most magical event, and his memory will continue to live on through it. One of the most iconic, and infuential, players of all-time, Bobby Jones truly is one of the Greatest.

THREE

Ben Hogan

Winner of the Career Grand Slam

Four-time Winner of the U.S. Open (1948, 1950, 1951, 1953)

Two-time Winner of The Masters Tournament (1951, 1953)

Winner of the 1953 Open Championship

Two-time Winner of the PGA Championship (1946, 1948)

64 Wins on the PGA Tour

Ben Hogan, possibly the greatest ball-striker in the history of the game, possessing arguably the most studied, and admired, swing of the 20th century. Hogan was truly one of the best players to have ever picked up a club. Recovering from a near-fatal car accident, after which, doctors told him he'd never walk, Hogan remarkably went on to achieve his greatest success. Promoting the notion of intense practice, Hogan was believed to have developed a "secret" to repeat his swing continuously. This astonishing consistency, led to Jack Nicklaus noting that Hogan was "easily" the best ball-striker he had ever seen. Arguably the best player in the game's history, Ben Hogan's astonishing ability, and continuing influence, places him firmly as one of the Greatest Golfers of All-Time.

TWO

Tiger Woods

Youngest Golfer to achieve the Career Grand Slam

Four-time Winner of The Masters Tournament (1997, 2001, 2002, 2005)

Three-time Winner of the U.S. Open (2000, 2002, 2008)

Three-time Winner of The Open Championship (2000, 2005, 2006)

Four-time Winner of the PGA Championship (1999, 2000, 2006, 2007)

Three-time Winner of the U.S. Amateur 

World Number One (623 Weeks)

102 Professional Wins

75 Wins on the PGA Tour

Winner of 16 World Golf Championships

As great an influence Arnold Palmer had in the early 1960s, it is very arguable, that Tiger Woods was an even bigger entity, as time turned towards the 21st century. After a stunning amateur career, Woods turned professional to intense anticipation. He certainly lived up to it. Completely shattering all-records at the 1997 Masters Tournament, Tiger Woods changed the game forever. Demolishing fields, and making courses obsolete, Woods, for a period around 2000-2002, played a standard of golf that no one had ever played, and arguably ever will play. His importance on fitness, power, and putting, altered the manner in which the professional game was played, and courses were altered to match this growing phenomenon. Tiger Woods certainly is a phenomenon. His incredible profile, made him the first sportsman to earn over $1 Billion. His status has grown the professional game, doubling purses on the PGA Tour, and inspiring millions of people to take up the game. As Woods closes in on his 40th birthday, he is still chasing the last records he has yet to overcome. Most notably Jack Nicklaus' total of 18 majors. Whether he will or not, is another question, but, few, if anyone, has had a greater impact on the game of golf, as his astonishing talent, arguably the best in living memory, has thrilled millions. He is unprecedented. A phenomenon.

ONE

Jack Nicklaus

Winner of 18 Professional Major Championships (In addition to 19 Runner-Ups)

Six-time Winner of The Masters Tournament (1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975, 1986)

Four-time Winner of the U.S. Open (1962, 1967, 1972, 1980)

Three-time Winner of The Open Championship (1966, 1970, 1978)

Five-time Winner of the PGA Championship (1963, 1971, 1973, 1975, 1980)

Two-time Winner of the U.S. Amateur

115 Professional Wins

73 Wins on the PGA Tour

Eight Champions Tour Majors

As a voting public, you, collectively named Jack Nicklaus as the Greatest Male Golfer of All-Time. For that reason, I feel it is appropriate that I leave it to you to submit your reasons why. What does Jack Nicklaus mean to you? What made you select him as Number One? Let me know, and I'll include it in the final, complete, Top 25 Article. 

I thank you all so much for paticipating, and hope that you found it a worthwhile exercise.

TOP TWENTY FIVE
25 - John Henry Taylor
24 - Rory McIlroy
23 - Tom Morris, Sr. 
22 - Bobby Locke
21 - Raymond Floyd 
20 - Peter Thomson
19 - Ernie Els
18 - Greg Norman
17 - Phil Mickelson
16 - Billy Casper
15 - Lee Trevino
14 - Gene Sarazen
13 - Harry Vardon
12 - Nick Faldo
11 - Byron Nelson
10 - Seve Ballesteros
9 - Sam Snead
8 - Tom Watson
7 - Walter Hagen
6 - Gary Player
5 - Arnold Palmer
4 - Bobby Jones
3 - Ben Hogan
2 - Tiger Woods
1 - Jack Nicklaus

25 Greatest Male Golfers of All-Time - The Results

19-11.

NINETEEN

 Ernie Els

Two-time winner of The Open Championship (2002, 2012)

Two-time winner of the U.S. Open (1994, 1997)

Two-time winner of the WGC-Cadillac Championship (2004, 2010)

65 Professional titles

27 wins on the European Tour

19 wins on the PGA Tour

Career Money Leader on the European Tour

Seven appearances in the Presidents Cup (International Team)

With one of the most fluid and graceful swings in the modern game, Ernie Els is one of the greatest players of his generation. A four-time major champion, who has carried on the legacy of Gary Player, as being a truly international player, with victories in Europe, North America, Africa, Asia, and Australia. As his dramatic victory at the 2012 Open Championship illustrated, there is still much potential left in the popular South Afican.

EIGHTEEN

 Greg Norman

Two-time winner of The Open Championship (1986, 1993)

Spent 331 weeks as World Number One

89 Professional Wins

20 Wins on the PGA Tour

14 Wins on the European Tour

31 Wins on the PGA Tour of Australia

Three-time winner of the PGA Tour Money List

Eight runner-up finishes in Major Championships

Greg Norman is arguably the most recognisible golfer to emerge in the last two decades of the 20th century. Having taken up the game at the age of 15, he won his first professional title seven years later. A truly dominant world player, Norman led the World Golf Rankings for the second longest period, only behind Tiger Woods. Despite two Open victories, Norman suffered from heartache in the other majors. The latest of which came in 2008, at Royal Birkdale, when, at the age of 53, Norman finished 3rd in the Open Championship. Had he won more majors, Norman would have finished much higher on this list. However, at his best, he was one of the most impressive players ever seen, and certainly one of the greatest players of his generation.

SEVENTEEN

 Phil Mickelson

Three-time winner of The Masters Tournament (2004, 2006, 2010)

Winner of the 2005 PGA Championship

Five-runner up finishes in the U.S. Open

41 Wins on the PGA Tour

Nine appearances in the Ryder Cup (Team USA)

Quite simply one of the most talented players of his generation. Mickelson has thrilled galleries for over 20 years, as his swashbuckling style has long seen him positioned as one of the most exciting players of the modern era. Major success came late, but since then he has one four majors, including three at Augusta National, a course which allows his incredibly creative short-game to flourish. One of the most popular players of the 21st century, Mickelson has the potential achieve much more, as he enters his 40s.

SIXTEEN

 Billy Casper

Winner of the 1970 Masters Tournament

Two-time winner of the U.S Open (1959, 1966)

51 Wins on the PGA Tour

Five-time winner of the Vardon Trophy (Lowest Scoring Average on the PGA Tour)

Eight-time member of the USA Ryder Cup Team

Nine Wins on the Champions Tour

If there is an overlooked player in the history of the game, it is Billy Casper. Overshadowed by Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Gary Player, Casper won 27 PGA Tour events between 1964 and 1970 (More than Jack Nicklaus). One of the finest putters of all-time, Casper was a devastating player at his peak, winning in 16 consecutive seasons. Underrated, but worthy of every mention he has retrospectively received, Billy Casper is one of the all-time Greats.

FIFTEEN

 Lee Trevino

Six-time Major Champion

Two-time Winner of the U.S. Open (1968, 1971)

Two-time Winner of The Open Championship (1971, 1972)

Two-time Winner of the PGA Championship (1974, 1984)

89 Professional Wins

29 Wins on the PGA Tour

29 Wins on the Champions Tour (Including Four Majors)

There have been few greater characters, or better players, than Lee Trevino. One of the most gifted shot-makers of all-time, Trevino was blessed with incredible talent, hidden behind an outgoing personality. Fans flocked to watch him all over the world, to be entertained, both by his game, and sense of humour.  For all of these factors, Trevino is rightly regarded as one of the greatest golfers in the history of the game.

FOURTEEN

 Gene Sarazen

Achieved the Career Grand Slam

Winner of the 1935 Masters Tournament

Two-time Winner of the U.S. Open (1922, 1932)

Winner of the 1932 Open Championship

Three-time Winner of the PGA Championship (1922, 1923, 1933)

39 Wins on the PGA Tour

Invented the Modern Sand Wedge

 Honorary Starter at the Masters (1981-1999)

Commentator of Wonderful World of Golf

'The Squire', one of the greatest, most iconic, and influential, players of all-time. On the course, one of only five players to achieve the Career Grand Slam. Off the the course, a popular figure who helped grow the game, hosting the popular series 'Wonderful World of Golf'. He also invented the Modern Sand Wedge, which he first used to winning success at the 1932 Open Championship. Sarazen hit the 'shot heard round the world', at the 1935 Masters, as his 4-wood on the 15th found the hole for a rare albatross. Sarazen inspired many. An innovator, a legend, and one of the very greatest. Many will wonder why he didn't finish higher.

THIRTEEN

 Harry Vardon

Six-time Winner of The Open Championship (1896, 1898, 1899, 1903, 1911, 1914)

Winner of the 1900 U.S. Open

Runner-up in the 1913, and 1920, U.S. Opens

Popularised the 'Vardon Grip' used by most Golfers to this day.

Harry Vardon, being winner of The Open on a record six times is enough to be considered one of the greatest. But his influence spread further. Travelling to the United States, he helped grow the popularity of the sport, losing to Francis Ouimet in 1913. Vardon popularised the overlapping grip, still the most common grip used by golfers of all-standards. Vardon was one of the most dominant players of his era, and a pionner in the early days of professional golf. Truly deserving of his place amongst the Greats.

TWELVE

 Nick Faldo

Three-time Winner of The Masters Tournament (1989, 1990, 1996)

Three-time Winner of The Open Championship (1987, 1990, 1992)

World Number One for 98 Weeks

40 Professional Titles

30 Wins on the European Tour

11 Appearances in the Ryder Cup (Record Points Winner)

Nick Faldo, an individual who polarised opinion, but his ability under pressure, and talent, were undisputed. Showing tremendous strength to rebuild his swing, in the mid-1980s, in order to become a successful player in major championships. A strategy that most certainly worked. One of Europe's greatest players, and remains the last Englishman to win a Major. Since the end of his playing career, Faldo set up the 'Faldo Series', which has provided opportunities for talented young golfers under the age of 21 from around the world both male and female. There are over 7,000 participants each year and there are 38 tournaments in 28 different countries. Rory McIlroy, and Yani Tseng, are amongst those who have participated. Since 2007, he has been CBS' lead Golf Analyst. A brilliant player, an author of influential instructional books, a broadcaster, and a promoter of youth golf worldwide. Faldo is one of the Greatest.

 

ELEVEN

Byron Nelson

Two-time Winner of The Masters Tournament (1937, 1942)

Winner of the 1939 U.S. Open

Two-time Winner of the PGA Championship (1940, 1945)

52 Wins on the PGA Tour

Winner of 18 Events in 1945 (Including 11 in a row)

Made 113 consecutive cuts on the PGA Tour

Host of the Byron Nelson Championship

Lord Byron Nelson. One of the finest players of all-time, in addition to being one of the most iconic, and influential. His achievements, over a short career, were astonishing. But his later legacy, in promoting the game, and acting as an elder statesmen; hosting the Byron Nelson Championship, and in his capacity as an honorary starter as the Masters; Nelson remained firmly in the public eye, and served as an icon to many. Any reasonable discussion on the Greatest Golfers of All-Time would have Byron Nelson firmlly in the forefront. 

TOP TWENTY FIVE
25 - John Henry Taylor
24 - Rory McIlroy
23 - Tom Morris, Sr. 
22 - Bobby Locke
21 - Raymond Floyd 
20 - Peter Thomson
19 - Ernie Els
18 - Greg Norman
17 - Phil Mickelson
16 - Billy Casper
15 - Lee Trevino
14 - Gene Sarazen
13 - Harry Vardon
12 - Nick Faldo
11 - Byron Nelson
10 - 
9 - 
8 - 
7 - 
6 - 
5 - 
4 - 
3 - 
2 - 
1 - 

25 Greatest Male Golfers of All-Time - The Results

Two weeks ago, many of you submitted your selections as to who you believe are the 20 Greatest Male Golfers of All-Time. By 'Greatest', the onus was on you to determine your own categories as to who was deserving a mention. Would you put it down simply to their success on the course, or their wider impact on the game? You all gave your own interpretation, and that has resulted in an intriguing final list. Your age, nationality, and maybe even your own personality, certainly became influential in many of your submissions. All of your lists were fascinating to read for that reason. It was your personal input, your own decision, and that, I felt, made it a very worthwhile exercise. But, now, I have brought your selections, opinions, and decisons together to generate a definitive list. How did your selection match the final list? Lets find out. 

Due to the number, and popularity, of the players selected, I have had to extend the Top 20, to a Top 25. Today, I am going to reveal Players 25-20 on the list, in addition to those who marginally missed out, despite each receiving numerous votes. 

The results may surprise you. Some of the selections may have even be controversial. But that's the nature of a public vote. It is you, collectively, who have determined the list. 

Players Receiving Multiple Votes

Colin Montgomerie

8-time European Tour Order of Merit Winner

31 Titles on the European Tour

8-time Member of the European Ryder Cup Team

Unbeaten in Ryder Cup Singles Competition

Winning European Captain at the 2010 Ryder Cup

5-Time Runner-Up in Major Championships.

2007 - World Cup of Golf Winner (Scotland).

Jimmy Demaret

3-Time Masters Champion (1940, 1947, 1950)

31 Wins on the PGA Tour

3-time Member of Team USA in the Ryder Cup

Cary Middlecoff

Winner of the 1955 Masters Tournament

2-time U.S. Open Champion (1946, 1956)

40 wins on the PGA Tour

3 Ryder Cup Appearances (USA)

James Braid

5-time Open Championship Winner (1901, 1905, 1906, 1908, 1910)

4-time British Matchplay Championship Winner

1910 French Open Champion

Designed Kings/Queens Courses at Gleneagles

Padraig Harrington

2-time Open Championship Winner (2007/2008)

Winner of the 2008 PGA Championship

14 European Tour titles

5-time winner on the PGA Tour 

6-time member of the European Ryder Cup Team

Willie Anderson

4-time winner of the U.S. Open (1901, 1903, 1904, 1905)

4-time winner of the Western Open

Hale Irwin

3-time U.S. Open Champion (1974, 1979, 1990)

Oldest Winner of the U.S. Open (Aged 45 in 1990)

20 PGA Tour wins

45 wins on the Champions Tour (Record)

4-time Senior PGA Champion (1996, 1997, 1998, 2004)

2-time U.S. Senior Open Champion (1998, 2000)

1999 Senior Players Championship Winner

5-time member of the USA Ryder Cup Team.

Bernhard Langer

Two-time Masters Champion (1985, 1993)

42 wins on the European Tour

First Official World Number One (1986)

Veteran of 10 Ryder Cups (Europe)

2004 Winning European Ryder Cup Captain

16 wins on the Champions Tour 

2010 Senior Open Champion

2010 U.S. Senior Open Champion

Francis Ouimet

Winner of the 1913 U.S. Open (As an Amateur, at the age of 20)

He defeated Harry Vardon and Ted Ray in an 18-hole playoff to win

His victory arguably brought Golf into the American sporting mainstream

10 years after his win, the number of golfers in the USA had tripled

His 1913 victory is portrayed in the film 'The Greatest Game Ever Played'

Winner of the 1913, and 1931, U.S. Amateur Championship.

Tom Morris, Jr. 

 Four-time winner of The Open Championship (1868, 1869, 1870, 1872)

Made his Open Debut at the age of 14

Promoted Golf in Scotland, with thousands attending his challenge matches

 Payne Stewart

Two-time U.S. Open Champion (1991, 1999)

Winner of the 1989 PGA Championship

11 wins on the PGA Tour

Five-time appearances on the USA Ryder Cup Team

Those players marginally missed out on a place in the top 25. But all very deserving of recognition. Now, we come to the Top 25. These players have all achieved so much in the game, as much for their wider influence, in addition to their undisputed talents on the golf course.

THE TWENTY FIVE GREATEST MALE GOLFERS OF ALL-TIME

TWENTY FIVE

John Henry Taylor

Five-time winner of The Open Championship (1894, 1895, 1900, 1909, 1913)

Runner-up in the 1900 U.S. Open Championship

Captain the 1933 Great Britain team to victory over the United States in the Ryder Cup

J.H. Taylor was one of the pionners of professional golf in England. He was a co-founder of the British PGA, which was the first association of professional golfers established in the world. Alongside Harry Vardon, he travelled to the United States, playing in exhibtion matches, increasing the growing exposure of the game in America. Taylor was an immense player, and contributed greatly to the professional game. 

TWENTY FOUR

Rory McIlroy

Current World Number One

Winner of the 2011 U.S. Open Championship (By Eight Shots)

Set a new 72-hole record in the U.S. Open of 268

Winner of the 2012 PGA Championship (By a record Eight Shots)

Sixth Youngest player to win multiple Major Championships

Winner of the PGA Tour, and European Tour, Money Lists in 2012

Youngest player to earn $10 Million on both the PGA Tour, and European Tour

Two-time member of the European Ryder Cup Team

This will be a surprising position for some, but Rory is certainly one of the most impressive players we have seen for decades, and one who has an influential impact. Following his U.S. Open win in 2011, 39% of British 18-to-24-year-olds said they were inspired to play golf for the first time. Rory has achieved so much in the game already, at the age of 23, and will surely achieve so much more. If we were to do this again, in 10-years, where will Rory sit? It's going to be fasctinating to watch. 

TWENTY THREE

Tom Morris, Sr.

Four-time winner of The Open Championship (1861, 1862, 1864, 1867)

Finished Runner-up at the first Open Championship (1860)

Revolutionised Course Design and Management

Established the Old Course, St Andrews, in its modern form. 

He established the standard golf couse length of 18-holes

Very few people can claim to have had a more important impact, in the growth of golf, in Scotland, than Old Tom Morris. Born, and spending most of his life in St Andrews, Morris competed alongside Allan Robertson, the worlds first professional golfer, and quickly grew to become an influential figure. He was a greenkeeper, a clubmaker, an instructor, and a ballmaker. Many of the techniques he used in course maintainence remain in place today, in addition to his course designing. Morris designed Muirfield, the site of the 2013 Open Championship, and also developed the Old Course, into what we know it today.  

TWENTY TWO

Bobby Locke

Four-time winner of The Open Championship (1949, 1950, 1952, 1957)

72 Worldwide Professional titles.

15-time winner on the PGA Tour

Nine-time winner of the South African Open

Bobby Locke was the first truly international player. Coming from South Africa, he achieved victories in Europe, the United States, Africa, and Australia. His success helpd pave the way for players such as Gary Player to achieve similarly great things. One of the finest putters of all-time, in addition to being one of the most efficient. Bobby Locke was a revolutionary, and a unique figure. Locke is fully deserving of his place in the Top 25. 

TWENTY ONE

Raymond Floyd

Four-time Major Champion

Winner of the 1976 Masters Tournament 

Winner of the 1986 U.S. Open

Two-time winner of the PGA Championship (1969, 1982)

Five-time runner-up in Major Championships

Eight-time Ryder Cup Player (Oldest ever, aged 51 in 1993)

1989 USA Ryder Cup Captain

22 wins on the PGA Tour

14 Champions Tour wins (Including Four Majors)

Played in every Masters Tournament (1965 - 2009)

There have been few more determined competitors than Raymond Floyd. Possessing one of the finest short-games of his generation, Floyd contended in majors over four separate decades, in addition to winning PGA Tour events over that period. With his unique swing, and steely stare, Floyd was a recognisable, and intimidating player on the golf course. That ability under pressure, rightly, has Ray Floyd remembered as one of the greatest golfers of all-time.

TWENTY

Peter Thomson

Five-time winner of The Open Championship (1954, 1955, 1956, 1958, 1965)

Winner of 82 Professional Tournaments

11-time winner on the Senior PGA Tour.

Winning-Captain of the 1998 International Presidents Cup Team

Peter Thomson is an Australian Legend. Achieving three consecutive Open wins, an achievement not matched in the 20th century, or by anyone since. Thomson won in Australia, Europe, the United States, and Asia, success which illustrated his position as one of the earliest truly international players.

TOP TWENTY FIVE
25 - John Henry Taylor
24 - Rory McIlroy
23 - Tom Morris, Sr. 
22 - Bobby Locke
21 - Raymond Floyd 
20 - Peter Thomson
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Come back tomorrow to learn the identites of players 19-11 on the list. As we count down, your selections, as the 25 Greatest Male Golfers of All-Time.