Greatest Golfers of All Time
Arnold Palmer popularized golf with his hard-charging style and incomparable charisma. AP Photo
Grow the game. That’s the saying, isn’t it? Despite the stigma golf players get as spoiled, country-clubbing brats who are spoon-fed privilege, the reality is that golf has been an inclusive and inspiring sport throughout history.
While the cliche of a golfer may be true in some instances, it’s far from the norm. True champions conquer any mental block, triumph over traps set by course designers and silence cheers from the galleries of their competitors.
The best players have always sought to master their own shortcomings and leave the game in a better place. Golf is where it is today because of the hard work of these men and women. They are the greatest golfers to ever tee it up.
50. Young Tom Morris
Career: 1868-1875
Country: Scotland
Pro wins: 4
Major championships: 4
Bottom Line: Young Tom Morris
The first prodigy in golf history, Young Tom Morris was instrumental to the early success of the sport. He was the son of the greenskeeper and head pro at St. Andrews, and golf flowed through the family’s veins.
The younger Morris won the Open Championship for the first time at age 17 and is still the youngest to ever win a major. He went on to win the next three.
He met a tragic end at 24 years old, just days after his wife and newborn both died during childbirth.
49. Jimmy Demaret
Career: 1927-1959
Country: United States
Pro wins: 36
Major championships: 3
Bottom Line: Jimmy Demaret
The first three-time Masters champion, Jimmy Demaret also came within an eyelash of winning a U.S. Open as well, falling short to Ben Hogan.
In 1947, during an era of unprecedented dominance by Hogan, Demaret won six times and was the leading money earner.
Demaret contended until late in his career at Augusta, finishing in a tie for fifth in 1962, 27 years after his Masters debut.