A Look at the Most Successful Golfers Since 2010
A new generation of golf stars emerged after 2010. American icons Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, dominated throughout the early 2000s. Then throughout the latter stages of the noughties, it seemed as if there were new players winning their maiden majors. There were no less than five one-time major winners between 2006 and 2009 however, since 2010, the sport has seen new superstars ascend through the ranks and assert their dominance on the game.
It is no secret that golf is still extremely popular, with players of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds competing for the sport’s highest honors. The development of the LIV golf league, which is supported and funded by the government of Saudi Arabia, marks a historic turning point for the game. Some of today’s finest players have separated themselves from the chasing pack, frequently winning major competitions and redefining what it means to withstand pressure on the grandest of stages.
In recent years, the new generation has provided golf fans with some of the most thrilling moments in history. Who can forget Aussie Cameron Smith’s assured performance at the 2022 Open Championship, when he successfully repelled Cameron Young and Rory McIlroy’s assaults to secure his first major? The 29-year-old Brisbane native also electrified the locals, proving exciting online pokies in Australia aren’t the only thing that manages to electrify those down under, and he will be looking to add to his maiden crown throughout 2023.
Unfortunately, Smith doesn’t feature on our list, although we’re sure he will do in years to come. Here are three of the most successful golfers since 2010, and what we can expect to see from them going forward.
Rory McIlroy
Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy is perhaps the most notable golfer of the modern era. Only Tiger Woods is more recognized than the 33-year-old Brit, who is currently ranked as the third-best player in the world, behind American duo Scottie Scheffler and Jon Rahm. He turned pro back in 2007 and has since spent over 100 cumulative weeks as world number one, winning over 20 titles across the globe, including four majors.
McIlroy’s fluid swing, which enables him to move his body in a smooth motion, is one of his distinctive qualities. He usually plays with a lot of aggression, taking shots that other golfers would be afraid to take, and his shirt game is equally as impressive. However, he has been known to crumble under pressure, as demonstrated by his final-round collapse in his maiden attempt at securing victory in the Masters at Augusta back in 2011.
McIlroy has recently worked hard to dispel his reputation for putting on poor performances in important tournaments, which brought him criticism in the past. He managed to put that disappointment of the 2011 Masters behind him by securing his first-ever major success at the US Open three months later. He has since added a further three majors’ collection, twice winning the PGA Championship as well as winning The Open Championship on home soil in 2014. As we enter the major’s season in 2023 however, McIlroy is nine years without a major triumph, and he will be aiming to put that right this year.
Brooks Koepka
Brooks Koepka is something of a late bloomer in the golfing world, with his professional career commencing in 2012. But since then, he has been a force to be reckoned with. The American is known for his almost-inhuman strength and accuracy off the tee. He takes big swings and hits the ball extremely far, enabling him to create distance from other players on the fairways.
Koepka looked to be on course to rival the Tiger Woods throughout the late 2010s. He was by far and away the best player on the PGA Tour and became the first man in history to win two different majors consecutively in back-to-back years when he lifted the US Open in 2017 and 2018, before capturing the PGA Championship in 2018 and 2019. A career-altering injury in 2019 has seen his star wane somewhat in recent years, and his recent headline-making decision to sign with LIV means that the future of the Florida native at the top level is unknown.
Jordan Speith
Jordan Speith has risen through the ranks to become one of golf’s biggest stars. His ascension was rapid, bursting onto the scene in 2013 and picking up the Rookie of the Year award. He would then embark on an incredible run two years later, almost picking up all four majors on offer. He secured maiden success in Augusta in April, finishing a mighty four strokes clear of the rest of the competition. Two months later, he would add the US Open to his collection, before narrowly missing out on both The Open Championship’s famous Claret Jug and the PGA Championship.
As one of the game’s most dependable players and an excellent ball striker, Speith is highly rated. Additionally, he is a great putter, which has allowed him to complete several events with calm composure. He has become the best in the world due to his diligence and ability to avoid making serious mistakes. He still has lots of time to add more championships to his already crowded trophy cabinet because he is only 29 years old.
