Famous 20th Century Golfers

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 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 
Seve Ballesteros
(Spanish Professional Golfer)
Seve Ballesteros
6
Birthdate: April 9, 1957
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Pedreña, Cantabria, Spain
Died: May 7, 2011
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 3 
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. 

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 4 
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.

 5 
Vijay Singh
(Golfer)
Vijay Singh
3
Birthdate: February 22, 1963
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Lautoka, Viti Levu, Colonial Fiji
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 6 
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. 

 7 
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.

 8 
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.

 9 
Annika Sörenstam
(One the Best Female Golfers of All Time)
Annika Sörenstam
7
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.

 10 
Bernhard Langer
(Golfer)
Bernhard Langer
3
Birthdate: August 27, 1957
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Anhausen (today part of Diedorf municipality), Bavaria, West Germany
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
 11 
Bobby Jones
(American Amateur Golfer)
Bobby Jones
0
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.

 12 
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.

 13 
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.

 14 
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. 

 15 
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.

 16 
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.  

 17 
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.

 18 
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. 

 19 
Colin Montgomerie
(Scottish Professional Golfer)
Colin Montgomerie
3
Birthdate: June 23, 1963
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 20 
Sam Snead
(The First Golfer to Win the Grand Slam of Golf)
Sam Snead
0
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.

 21 
Gary Player
(One of the Greatest Golfers of All Time)
Gary Player
0
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.
 22 
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.

 23 
Harry Vardon
(Golfer)
Harry Vardon
3
Birthdate: May 9, 1870
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Grouville, Jersey, Channel Islands
Died: March 20, 1937
 24 
Justin Rose
(One of Only Five Golfers to Win Official Tournaments on All Six Continents on Which Golf is Played)
Justin Rose
4
Birthdate: July 30, 1980
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Johannesburg, South Africa
Height: 6'3" (190 cm)
 25 
Nancy Lopez
(American Professional Golfer)
Nancy Lopez
7
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.

 26 
Greg Norman
(Australian Entrepreneur and Retired Professional Golfer)
Greg Norman
0
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.

 27 
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.

 28 
Nick Faldo
(English Retired Professional Golfer and Television Commentator)
Nick Faldo
0
Birthdate: July 18, 1957
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, England
Height: 6'3" (190 cm)
 29 
David Duval
(Former World No. 1 Golfer Who Competed on the PGA Tour)
David Duval
0
Birthdate: November 9, 1971
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Jacksonville, Florida
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 30 
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.

 31 
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.

 32 
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.

 33 
Laura Davies
(English Professional Golfer)
Laura Davies
1
Birthdate: October 5, 1963
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Coventry, United Kingdom
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 34 
Justin Leonard
(American Professional Golfer)
Justin Leonard
1
Birthdate: June 15, 1972
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Dallas, Texas, United States
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
 35 
Jose Maria Olazabal
(Spanish Professional Golfer)
Jose Maria Olazabal
7
Birthdate: February 5, 1966
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Fuenterrabía, Guipúzcoa, Spain
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 36 
Ben Crenshaw
(Retired American Professional Golfer)
Ben Crenshaw
0
Birthdate: January 11, 1952
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Austin, Texas, United States

Ben Crenshaw is an American retired professional golfer who won 19 PGA Tour events, including two major championships; he won the 1984 and 1995 Masters Tournament. He also won three European Tour events during his career. Ben Crenshaw represented the U.S. national team, helping his team win two Ryder Cups. He was honored with the Bob Jones Award in 1991.

 37 
Martin Kaymer
(Golfer)
Martin Kaymer
3
Birthdate: December 28, 1984
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Düsseldorf, Germany
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 38 
Sandy Lyle
(Scottish Professional Golfer)
Sandy Lyle
1
Birthdate: February 9, 1958
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Shrewsbury, United Kingdom
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 39 
Cristie Kerr
(American Professional Golfer)
Cristie Kerr
4
Birthdate: October 12, 1977
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Miami, Florida, United States

Cristie Kerr is an American golfer who has won 20 LPGA Tour events, including two major championships. A former world No. 1, Kerr has 24 professional wins under her belt. Cristie Kerr is also an ardent supporter of breast cancer activism. In 2006, she was honored with the LPGA Komen Award for founding an organization called Birdies for Breast Cancer.

 40 
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.

 41 
Tom Weiskopf
(American Professional Golfer)
Tom Weiskopf
1
Birthdate: November 9, 1942
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Massillon, Ohio, United States
Died: August 20, 2022
Height: 6'3" (190 cm)
 42 
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.

 43 
Ian Woosnam
(Welsh Professional Golfer)
Ian Woosnam
1
Birthdate: March 2, 1958
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Oswestry, United Kingdom
Height: 5'5" (165 cm)
 44 
Curtis Strange
(American Professional Golfer Who Was the Winner of Consecutive U.S. Open Titles)
Curtis Strange
0
Birthdate: January 30, 1955
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Norfolk, Virginia, United States

Curtis Strange is a professional golfer turned TV color commentator. He started playing golf as a child and had a brilliant collegiate career. As a professional, he went on to win consecutive US Open titles. He also played in several international tournaments. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. He became a commentator after retirement. 

 45 
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.

 46 
Pak Se-Ri
(Golfer)
Pak Se-Ri
4
Birthdate: September 28, 1977
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Taejŏn, South Korea
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
 47 
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.

 48 
Juli Inkster
(American Professional Golfer)
Juli Inkster
4
Birthdate: June 24, 1960
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Santa Cruz, California, United States

Juli Inkster is a retired professional golfer who played on the LPGA Tour. She played collegiate golf and later won three consecutive US Women's Amateurs, becoming the first woman since 1934 to win three consecutive US Amateur titles. She has 32 professional wins and is a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame. She is now a golf commentator. 

 49 
Corey Pavin
(American Professional Golfer)
Corey Pavin
1
Birthdate: November 16, 1959
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Oxnard, California, United States
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
 50 
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: Brunswick, Victoria, 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.