History was made at the Italian Open when three sets of brothers competed at a DP World Tour event for the very first time. The feat then got us thinking, who are the greatest siblings to ever grace the game of golf?
Well after diving into the history books, we’ve picked out some of the best, most decorated brothers and sisters to ever tee up at the highest level – proving that siblings can do more than just bicker. From Open pioneers to Ryder Cup heroes, here are our favourites…
Willie Sr and Mungo Park
Part of one of golf’s pioneering families, the names of Willie Park Sr and younger brother Mungo are etched all over the origins of The Open. Holding a combined 31 appearances, Willie Sr won the major four times – including the inaugural event in 1860 – while Mungo claimed the Claret Jug in 1872.
Nelly and Jessica Korda
The Korda sisters are continuing to make history on the LPGA Tour, and unquestionably win the award for best sibling swings on this list.
Two of America’s biggest stars, the Korda sisters have played together at two Solheim Cups and have a handful of singles accolades to match. While Jessica has six wins on the LPGA Tour, her sister Nelly pips her with seven victories, a PGA Championship an Olympic Gold Medal.
Ray and Lloyd Mangrum
Two stonewalls on the PGA Tour during the 1930s and 1940s. Brothers Ray and Lloyd Mangrum both had successful careers, the latter winning the US Open in 1946 and earning a place in the World Golf Hall of Fame. Lloyd achieved 36 PGA Tour victories in total, with Ray landing seven.
Francesco and Edoardo Molinari
Next up are the first brothers to play at a Ryder Cup in the modern era – the duo of Francesco and Edoardo Molinari. Few have an on course chemistry like the Italians, with the pair winning the World Cup of Golf in 2009, before famously partnering up during Europe’s 2010 Ryder Cup win.
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Their individual records aren’t bad either. Ever presents on the DP World Tour, Edoardo has three wins on the circuit while Francesco has six – including a magnificent Open win in 2018.
Jay and Lionel Herbert
Another successful PGA Tour pair, brothers Jay and Lionel Herbert battled it out on numerous occasions during the 1950s and 1960s. The duo also represented USA in several Ryder Cups during their careers – although never together.
While Jay holds the better PGA Tour record – seven wins compared to his brother’s five – Lionel has a major to his name after winning the 1957 PGA Championship.
Nicolai and Rasmus Hojgaard
Hoping to follow in the footsteps of the Molinaris are Nicolai and Rasmus Hojgaard, the Danish twins who seem destined to play together at the Ryder Cup one day. Having both turned pro in 2019, the brothers have taken the DP World Tour by storm already, with Nicolai claiming two wins and Rasmus three.
Ariya and Moriya Jutanugarn
One of only three sets of sisters to win on the LPGA Tour – alongside the Kordas and the Sorenstams – Ariya and Moriya Jutanugarn have continued to make history over the past decade while flying the flag for Thailand.
Ariya leads the way having reached World No 1 in 2017, which came in-between major wins at the 2016 Women’s Open and 2018 US Women’s Open. Moriya then has two LPGA Tour wins under her belt, and was awarded rookie of the year in 2013.
Minjee and Min Woo Lee
Our only brother and sister on the list, Minjee and Min Woo Lee are two of Australia’s rising stars who have had plenty of success in their careers already. Minjee leads the way with two major triumphs – the 2021 Evian Championship and 2022 Women’s US Open – while Min Woo’s breakout moment came when he won the 2021 Scottish Open.
Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick
It was in 2013 when Matt Fitzpatrick announced himself after winning the 2013 US Amateur, with younger brother Alex playing his part as caddie for the feat. Since then Matt has risen to become one of the best players in the world – his Brookline accolade coming full circle when he won the 2022 US Open.
Big things are expected of Alex too, who will be hoping to follow in his brother’s footsteps after turning pro in 2022.
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