The 2015 Masters Tournament was the 79th Masters Tournament, and the first of golf's four major championships, held April 9–12 at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. Credit: Ryan Schreiber
A golf legend is a golfer who has achieved greatness in the sport through their skill, accomplishments, and impact on the game. They are considered legends of golf because of their significant contributions to the sport, both on and off the course, and the lasting impact they have had on the game.
Golf legends are recognized for their success in major championships, their consistency and longevity in the sport, and their influence on future generations of golfers. They are also known for their sportsmanship, integrity, and leadership, and for their contributions to the growth and popularity of the sport.
Many golf legends have left a lasting legacy in the game, whether through their records, their innovations in swing techniques and equipment, or their philanthropic work in the golf community. Their accomplishments and influence have helped shape the sport of golf into what it is today, and their names are synonymous with greatness and excellence in the sport.
Here are the top 10 golf legends and some highlights of their golf swing and career:
Jack Nicklaus:
- Golf Swing: Consistent setup, strong grip, wide arc, balanced finish, smooth tempo.
- Career Highlights: 18 major championships, 73 PGA Tour wins, winner of the career Grand Slam, played on six winning Ryder Cup teams, designed over 400 golf courses.
- More on Jack Nicklaus
Tiger Woods:
- Golf Swing: Explosive power, smooth tempo, exceptional ball striking, versatility, mental toughness.
- Career Highlights: 15 major championships, 82 PGA Tour wins, winner of the career Grand Slam, holds multiple records including lowest 72-hole score in a major championship, youngest player to complete the career Grand Slam.
Arnold Palmer:
- Golf Swing: Powerful swing, aggressive style, deft touch around the greens, natural feel for the game, natural charisma.
- Career Highlights: 7 major championships, 62 PGA Tour wins, first golfer to earn over $1 million in prize money, played on six winning Ryder Cup teams, co-founded the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
Ben Hogan:
- Golf Swing: Precision ball striking, consistent swing, attention to detail, use of the "Hogan Fade," determination and work ethic.
- Career Highlights: 9 major championships, 64 PGA Tour wins, won the U.S. Open, Masters, and Open Championship in the same year (1953), returned to win the U.S. Open after a near-fatal car accident.
- More on Ben Hogan
Bobby Jones:
- Golf Swing: Classic swing, smooth tempo, consistent ball striking, shot creativity, mastery of the short game.
- Career Highlights: 13 major championships, including the Grand Slam (winning all four majors in the same year), co-founder of Augusta National Golf Club and The Masters, retired from golf at age 28 to focus on his law career.
Gary Player:
- Golf Swing: Athletic swing, consistency, accuracy, adaptability, short game mastery.
- Career Highlights: 9 major championships, 24 PGA Tour wins, won the career Grand Slam, won 118 professional tournaments worldwide, served as captain of the International Team at the Presidents Cup.
Sam Snead:
- Golf Swing: Unique swing, powerful and smooth, strong rhythm, great touch on the greens, adaptability.
- Career Highlights: 7 major championships, 82 PGA Tour wins (tied for most all-time), oldest player to win a PGA Tour event at age 52, played on seven winning Ryder Cup teams, inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Tom Watson:
- Golf Swing: Classic swing, great ball striking, creativity and feel, mental toughness, accuracy.
- Career Highlights: 8 major championships, 39 PGA Tour wins, won the Open Championship five times, played on four winning Ryder Cup teams, was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Walter Hagen:
- Golf Swing: Fluid swing, consistency, strong rhythm, touch around the greens, mental toughness.
- Career Highlights: 11 major championships, 45 PGA Tour wins, won the PGA Championship five times, served as captain of the first five U.S. Ryder Cup teams, co-founded the Professional Golfers' Association of America.
Gene Sarazen:
- Golf Swing: Classic swing, consistent ball striking, creativity, versatility, strong mental game.
- Career Highlights: 7 major championships, 39 PGA Tour wins, won the career Grand Slam, invented the modern sand wedge, was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Famous Stories from Golf Legends
Most Famous Golf Shots
Here are some of the most famous or iconic golf shots in history:
Tiger Woods' chip shot at the 2005 Masters - In the third round of the tournament, Woods hit a remarkable chip shot from behind the 16th green that rolled slowly toward the hole before dropping in for a birdie. The shot is considered one of the greatest in Masters history and helped Woods win the tournament.
Gene Sarazen's double eagle at the 1935 Masters - As mentioned earlier, Sarazen hit a 4-wood from 235 yards out on the par-5 15th hole that found the bottom of the cup. The shot helped Sarazen come from behind to win the tournament.
Ben Hogan's 1-iron at the 1950 U.S. Open - Hogan's shot on the 18th hole of the final round landed on the green and set up an easy birdie putt to win the tournament. The shot is considered one of the greatest in golf history and helped cement Hogan's status as one of the greatest golfers of all time.
Tom Watson's chip shot at the 1982 U.S. Open - In the final round of the tournament, Watson hit a chip shot from the deep rough on the 17th hole that landed softly on the green and rolled into the hole for a birdie. The shot helped Watson win the tournament and is considered one of the greatest shots in U.S. Open history.
Phil Mickelson's 6-iron at the 2010 Masters - In the final round of the tournament, Mickelson hit a 6-iron from the trees on the 13th hole that landed softly on the green and set up an eagle putt. The shot helped Mickelson win his third Masters title and is considered one of the most dramatic shots in Masters history.