Counting down the best American golfers ever

Tiger or Jack? Woods or Nicklaus? However you word it, they are without a doubt not only the two best American golfers to play the sport but the greatest of all time full stop.

But before we get there, we wanted to assess who are the best players to ever pick up a club from across the pond.

It goes without saying America has been the dominant nation in the last few decades on both the PGA Tour and the majors.

With European and international players also experiencing great success, it is no exaggeration to label the United States as a golf powerhouse.

Here is our countdown of the best American golfers ever…

25. Lanny Wadkins

24. Lloyd Mangrum

23. Jordan Spieth

22. Cary Middlecoff

21. Bob Goalby

20. Tom Lehman

19. Tom Kite

18. Hale Irwin

17. Raymond Floyd

16. Francis Quimet

15. Brooks Koepka

14. Ben Crenshaw

13. Billy Casper

12. Phil Mickelson

11. Lee Trevino

10. Gene Sarazen

9. Walter Hagen

8. Tom Watson

7. Byron Nelson

6. Sam Snead

And the five best American golfers of all time are…

5. Ben Hogan

Ben Hogan’s legendary swing has been targeted by many golfers, his ball striking was arguably the greatest in history.

Hogan won nine majors in seven years accompanied by 68 tournaments worldwide,

The Texan was one of only five golfers to complete the career Grand Slam despite only playing in one Open Championship in 1953. Hogan had the chance to complete the Grand Slam that year but had to withdraw from the PGA Championship due to injuries sustained in a car accident.

4. Arnold Palmer

Professional wins: 95
Majors: 7

During his career, Palmer won 94 times expanding golf to a whole new level. During the 1960’s Americans took golf to television screens across the globe.

Palmer clinched seven Majors with his power winning the 1958 Masters, his last coming six years later at Augusta.

The King’s legacy still lives on today through his charity, tournament at Bay Hill, and his everlasting charisma.

3. Bobby Jones

Wins: 34
Majors: 7

The American amateur golfer is responsible for the greatest landmark of the game, Jones founded Augusta National in 1933. Jones played in 12 Masters Tournaments since its inception in 1934.

In 1930 he became the first golfer to complete the Grand Slam, winning all four majors in a calendar year. Jones went on to win 13 majors in just seven years.

Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974 three years after his death.

2. Jack Nicklaus

Professional wins: 117
Majors: 18

Perhaps the greatest golfer of all time, winning 18 majors three more than any other player., winning the 1986 Masters at the age of 46, the oldest-ever winner.

The Golden Bear won 117 tournaments worldwide, including 10 senior events and 8 senior majors.

The amount of wins speaks for themselves, a career spanning over 25 years he is noted as the best complete player of all time.

1. Tiger Woods

Professional wins: 109
Majors: 15

Tiger made one of the greatest sporting comebacks of all time by winning The Masters last year, ending an 11-year major victory drought.

Last year Master took Woods’ major total to 15, putting his career back on track- only Jack Nicklaus has won more (18).

Tiger has 82 PGA tour wins only Sam Snead has as many, and completed the Grand Slam three times over. Woods without a doubt is the best golfer of the modern era.

NOW READ: These Tiger Woods statistics will blow your mind!

What would be your list of the best golfers ever? Tell us on X!

Tom Irwin

Tom is a lifetime golfer, now over 30 years playing the game. 2023 marks 10 years in golf publishing and he is still holding down a + handicap at Alwoodley in Leeds. He has played over 600 golf courses, and has been a member of at least four including his first love Louth, in Lincolnshire. Tom likes unbranded clothing, natural fibres, and pencil bags. Seacroft in Lincolnshire is where it starts and ends.