The sport of golf is constantly producing exciting new talents determined to leave their mark on the game and join the ranks of its most celebrated figures.

As the sport’s popularity continues to rise across the globe, aspiring players often look to the achievements of golf’s greatest stars for inspiration. Their iconic victories, remarkable consistency, and unforgettable moments have helped shape the game into what it is today.

From the pioneers who helped elevate golf during the 1950s and 1960s to the modern superstars dominating today’s tours, more than 11,000 Ranker users have voted on who deserves a place among the greatest golfers ever to play the sport.

10

Byron Nelson

Majors: 5

Affectionately dubbed ‘Lord Byron’ by adoring fans, Nelson dominated golf in the late 1930s and ’40s. With an incredible run of 11 consecutive PGA Tour victories in 1945 (a record which still stands today), Nelson achieved two PGA Championships, having also won The Masters twice and a US Open.

While he certainly had a lasting impact during his playing days, he also served as a mentor to many top golfers, including Tom Watson, after retiring in 1946. His legacy in the game still holds strong, with the annual Byron Nelson Championship honouring his lasting impact on the sport.

9

Walter Hagen

Majors: 11

As one of the earliest superstars of the golfing world, Walter Hagen paved the way in the ’20s. Having won the first of his 11 Majors at the US Open in 1914, fans were drawn to Hagen’s stylish clothing and extravagant lifestyle. But it wasn’t just his showmanship which secured his place on this list.

With four Opens and five PGA Championships, the American was instrumental in growing the sport and increasing the prize money offered at tournaments.

8

Tom Watson

Majors: 8

In an era featuring the likes of Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, Tom Watson’s eight Major victories may prove more impressive than others. Under the stewardship of Byron Nelson, Watson was the joint-second-most successful player at The Open, having won it five times.

While his prime may have been in the ’70s and ’80s, Watson aged like a fine wine, having led for the majority of the 2009 edition of The Open Championship, at the age of 59, only to lose in a four-hole playoff on the final day.

Throughout his career, he also wrote multiple books, influencing swathes of young golfers.

7

Bobby Jones

Majors: 7

A true trailblazer of the sport, Bobby Jones is the most successful amateur golfer of all time. He is the only player to have completed the pre-Masters Grand Slam, and did so in 1930, winning the US Open, British Open, US Amateur, and British Amateur in the space of a year.

While he was one of the most well-known athletes at the time, his biggest impact on the world of golf was in 1932, when he co-founded the prestigious Augusta National Golf Club, and helped set up the iconic Masters.

6

Gary Player

Majors: 9

With his 1965 victory at the US Open, the South African became the youngest person to achieve a modern, career Grand Slam at the time, highlighting his natural golfing ability. With three wins apiece at both The Masters and The Open, alongside two PGA Championships, Player quickly asserted himself at the top of the golfing world.

In a sport which was dominated by Americans, Gary Player was the first international to win at Augusta, and helped grow the game outside of the States.

5

Sam Snead

Majors: 7

With 82 PGA Tour victories under his belt, the only person to compete with Sam Snead’s record is the legendary Tiger Woods, who sits level. With three wins at both The Masters and PGA Championship, and the 1946 Open Championship, Snead came ever-so close to adding his name to the list of Grand Slam winners, having come second at the US Open four times.

However, what may be even more impressive, is when he shot an eight-over par on the Old White course at The Greenbrier, at the age of 85, a feat many golfers could only dream of replicating in their prime.

4

Arnold Palmer

Majors: 7

Very few have been successful around Augusta National, but nobody mastered The Masters like Arnold Palmer did. Between 1958 and 1964, Palmer became the first person to win four Masters. His wins at Augusta, paired with his two British Opens and the US Open, gained him widespread attention.

One third of golf’s ‘Big Three’, alongside Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, Arnold Palmer has been held in high esteem by many for the work he did to progress the game, popularising the sport and making it more accessible for those from all backgrounds.

3

Ben Hogan

Majors: 9

As one of only six players to have won all four Majors, Hogan’s achievements in golf are highlighted by the exceptional circumstances in which he did so.

Having won two PGA Championships and a US Open, Hogan sustained a near-fatal car accident, after which, doctors told him he may never be able to walk again. But with sheer determination and rigorous training, Hogan bounced back, adding another three US Opens, two Masters, and a British Open to his array of achievements.

His impeccable ball-striking ability was revolutionary in the world of golf, and his book on golf swings provided insights for millions of golfers the world over.

2

Tiger Woods

Majors: 15

As the most recognisable face of modern golf, Tiger Woods is a household name. An inspiration to young golfers all over the world, his list of accolades and records set him apart from any other golfer of the modern era.

A record-equalling 82 PGA Tour wins, an astounding 15 Majors, with five Masters, four PGA Championships, three US Opens, and three Open Championships, Tiger has set the bar for those who want to become the most elite of golfers.

His record winning margin of 12-strokes in the 1997 Masters still holds today and his chip on the 16th hole on the final day of the 2005 Masters will forever be seen as one of the greatest moments in golfing history.

1

Jack Nicklaus

Majors: 18

Jack Nicklaus, ‘The Golden Bear’. Widely regarded as the best golfer of all time, only challenged by Tiger Woods. With 18, he holds the record for the most Majors won, with six coming at Augusta, five PGA Championships, four US Opens, and three British Opens.

The most decorated golfer to have graced the sport, Nicklaus’ consistency over his two-decade-long career created a lasting legacy which encourages budding golfers, even today. And while his golfing achievements may never be replicated, his non-playing influence has been just as significant, having helped design some of the greatest courses on every corner of the globe, and setting up the largest course design company in the world, Nicklaus Design.

A true great of the game, Jack Nicklaus will forever be hailed by many as the greatest golfer of all time.

Roberto De Zerbi has already got to work on bolstering his backline at Tottenham, with three new signings already in place, and now he is looking to make changes further up the pitch.

Tottenham want to make a statement signing for the Italian and they have already seen a £75million bid for central midfielder Sandro Tonali knocked back by Newcastle United.

Spurs are also in the hunt for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, while even further forward they remain in talks with Manchester City over a move to sign Savinho this summer.

De Zerbi also wants to bring in forward signings

via Reuters

And another name has surfaced as a potential forward signing, with Tottenham linked with a move to sign Cody Gakpo from Liverpool.

The 27-year-old was almost ever-present for Liverpool in the Premier League last season, only missing two matches due to injury and named in the starting XI by Arne Slot for 32 of his 36 appearances. He scored seven goals and delivered five assists for teammates, averaging a goal involvement every third match.

Named by Ronald Koeman in his Netherlands squad for the 2026 World Cup in America, Canada and Mexico, Gakpo has enjoyed a good start to the tournament, scoring twice and laying on an assist in the 5-1 win over Sweden in their second group game.

His future at Anfield is up in the air, with some reports suggesting that the Reds were open to offers for him this summer. Liverpool signed the Dutch forward in the 2023 January transfer window for a fee between £35million and £45million and will look to recoup that and even make a profit on him should they sanction a sale.

He only extended his contract in the north west last summer, understood to be worth £250,000-a-week, and has four years left on his deal, meaning Liverpool hold all the cards when it comes to negotiations over a potential transfer exit.

Gakpo has impressed at the World Cup so far

Annegret Hilse via Reuters

More good displays at the World Cup will only help the Reds in adding figures to his price tag too.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed there is interest from Spurs in Gakpo, but it may take time to striker a deal, given the situation with the World Cup.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said: “There is interest from Tottenham, there are clubs trying to understand if there is a way to strike a deal for Cody Gakpo this summer but as yet Liverpool are yet to give a green light to the exit, they are still very happy with Cody Gakpo.

“This is going to be a moment where Liverpool have to make a decision, I don’t think it’s going to be during the World Cup, I don’t think Gakpo is going to Tottenham today or tomorrow, but for sure there is interest.”

Liverpool have turned down an offer from Inter Milan for Curtis Jones, according to Fabrizio Romano, as talks continue over a possible deal for the midfielder.

It comes as the 25-year-old enters the final year under contract at Anfield, with uncertainty persisting over the possibility of a stay at the club.

Andoni Iraola’s arrival means a new look at how Liverpool will play, with an emphasis placed on energy and intensity with his pressing philosophy.

The forward ranks remain the most important to crank up the tempo for the Merseyside outfit, but the midfield could follow shortly after, as links persist over a deal for Alex Scott.

That also means some outgoings, with Jones among those who could be sacrificed to help raise some funds.

Liverpool Reject Curtis Jones Transfer Offer

As rumours continue over Jones and a possible deal to join Inter Milan, Fabrizio Romano reports that a first offer has been turned down by Liverpool.

He claims that a €25 million (£21.7 million) package was proposed by the Serie A club, but it was instantly rejected by the Reds, with the Nerazzuri needing to consider their position again.

Romano adds that Liverpool value Jones higher than the offer that was made, and unless Inter propose another bid with more money on the table, then a move won’t progress.

It means, as things stand, there is still a waiting game for the Anfield outfit to play, with an exit seemingly on the cards, but not unless they get favourable terms.

While Jones is in the final year of his contract, which will impact his overall valuation, he has been described as “incredible”, and Liverpool will be keen to maximise his value and recoup as much money as possible.

How Much Is Curtis Jones Worth?

As it stands, it’s unclear what price point Liverpool would be open to a sale for Jones, but an exit is possible due to his current contract situation.

Transfermarkt has the star worth €35 million (£30.4 million), showing the potential gap in valuation between the two sides in negotiations for his signature.

That could all change, of course, if a new contract is on the table for the midfielder. As it stands, there is no sense that there will be a new deal.

However, if his place in the team changes, there is always a chance of a U-turn. Liverpool appear in no rush to confirm an exit, and will hold out for a bigger fee, which could take the move in a few different directions.