Anyone with an appreciation for golf should study the game’s experts. Since golf is such a complicated sport, one that requires the mind as much as the body, the people who master it are an exceptional bunch. With the focus to block out the world, the control to perfect a swing, and the strength to carry the ball far, the top four greatest professional golfers of all time truly are in a league of their own.
1. Jack Nicklaus
Jack Nicklaus earns his place as the greatest golfer of all time not just because of his record, which is staggering, but also because of his impact on the sport beyond the green. After he retired, Nicklaus wrote books, started a golf equipment company, and was one of the first golfers to enter the Hall of Fame. All that plus his more than 70 victories, including more than 15 major golf championships—there’s no wonder why he’s at the top.
2. Tiger Woods
Some people may argue Tiger Woods deserves the top seat. No one doubts that he is among the top four greatest professional golfers of all time. He does have over 75 PGA competition wins to his name, as well as more than 35 European tournament wins. Due to his success with advertising sponsorships, he’s also one of the richest men in sports.
3. Ben Hogan
Ben Hogan is one of the greatest golfers of all time because of his contributions to how the game is played. His development of golf swing theory and his spectacular ball-striking abilities have inspired and informed generations of players. He won four major championships and 63 professional tournaments. His influence has helped create the key concepts of swinging we use today.
4. Walter Hagen
One of the best players of the first half of the 20th century, Hagen made history as the first American to win the British Open. A national hero, he also won over ten major championships.
