Golf has produced some legendary sportsmen over the years, with incredible consistency and dominance that have shaped the sport into what it is today.
These legendary golfers have brought more than success and trophies to the game, but have also paved the way for the next generation, serving as role models for youth. From record-breaking majors to intriguing sports personalities, many golfers have left a notable mark on the sport, reflecting individual excellence. Like many sportspeople, these golfers have not only excited fans over the years but also had a huge impact on online sports betting odds. All names on this are great in their own right, putting up excellent performances when the lights were the brightest.
Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods is widely recognised as one of the best to ever play golf, with an incredible list of honours and an impressive story that sets him apart. Tiger Woods was introduced to golf at the young age of 2, following his father, Earl Woods, around the greens. His father, Earl, served as his coach in the early years of his golfing career, teaching him his swing and providing him with his first experiences on the course. During his junior years, Tiger Woods became popular, appearing on TV shows showcasing his skills to the world. Additionally, Tiger Woods won a range of junior trophies, including three consecutive U.S. Amateur titles, showing his potential.
Before turning professional, Tiger Woods attended Stanford University, where he won an NCAA title, once again demonstrating his greatness at a young age. He was aged 20 when he turned professional and made an immediate impact on the sport. His first major would come at the 1997 Masters, where he finished 12 shots ahead of second place and, as a result, became the youngest male world No. 1 in golfing history.
Woods dominated in the 21st century, elevating his excellence and refining his game to address any weaknesses. Tiger Woods became the complete golfer, with impressive drives, neatly done chips, and calmness on the green to putt home. From 2000-2001, Tiger Woods held all four major titles at once, which became known as the ‘Tiger Slam’ by many.
Tiger Woods remains a prominent figure in golf today, though perhaps not for his current standards, more for his history with the sport. Recently, Woods has had his fair share of injuries, which have limited his playing ability and have resulted in him focusing on select majors. As of now, Tiger Woods has won 15 major championships, placing him second in the all-time list, spent 683 total weeks as World No. 1, a record, and has had 82 PGA Tour wins.
Jack Nicklaus
Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods are the two names placed in the ‘GOAT’ debates by many, with both being considered a level above the other legendary figures in the sport. Jack Nicklaus dominated golf in the 20th century and has set the benchmark for many golfers with his incredible consistency throughout three decades. Before turning professional in 1961, Jack Nicklaus was already a respected name in golf, having won the U.S. Amateur Championship twice.
Turning professional did not change much for Jack Nicklaus, as his breakthrough was nearly instant, winning his first major just a year after turning professional. He quickly became a notable name in the golfing world, helping form the iconic ‘Big Three’ alongside Arnold Palmer and Gary Player.
If you are wondering how Tiger Woods is in second place in the record books with 15 majors, that is because Jack Nicklaus holds the record with 18 majors. As well as holding the record for the most major wins, he also possesses the record for the most runner-up finishes in history, with 19, showing his incredible consistency to reach later stages. Nicklaus recently made Sir Nick Faldo’s all-time greatest golfers list, too.
Arnold Palmer
After the two golfing icons mentioned above, Arnold Palmer, by many, is regarded as the third-best ever to swing a golf club. Like Tiger, Arnold Palmer learnt his trade from his father, who was deeply involved in the sport. To advance his career, Palmer was offered a golf scholarship to Wake Forest University, where he competed in his first elite events. He was offered a PGA Tour card in 1954, shortly after winning the 1954 U.S. Amateur Championship.
It took Arnold Palmer a few years to make a name for himself on the world stage, but after his breakout year in 1958, he quickly became beloved by fans. His breakthrough year is attributed to his first major title, the 1958 Masters. He was well respected by the fans at the time thanks to his charisma on the course and aggressive play, taking advantage of opponents’ struggles.
After his first major title, which came in 1958, Palmer won a further 6 majors, winning all but the PGA Championship. In the record books, he ranks 5th in PGA wins all time, with 62, although many believe that if he had been part of a different generation, he would have had more majors and PGA wins.
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