Who are the best American golfers in history? America has had some great golfers who have dominated the majors in their respective eras. Golf has been a sport where the US golfers have clearly been the best in the game, to the extent that the US golf team takes on the rest of Europe at the Ryder Cup. These are the greatest American golfers, both past and present.
Tiger Woods
Of the present generation, Woods has been the greatest golfer in the game. His record in the major golf tournaments has been largely unrivaled by most of the PGA Tour. Since his first major victory at the US Masters, Woods was untouchable in the early 2000s as his majestic form won him four major golf tournaments in a row, the closest a golfer has come to the grand slam of winning all majors in one season. Today, Woods has won 15 majors, but probably won’t win any more as age is catching up with golf’s fading star.
Jack Nicklaus
The only golfer who has won more major golf tournaments than Woods is Nicklaus. Nicklaus holds the record number of wins in the golfing majors with 18 titles. Nicklaus won most of his titles in the 1960s and 1970s, and was comfortably the best golfer of his era. He continued to remain competitive in the majors into the 1980s, where he won a final major at Augusta in 1986. In total, Nicklaus won 73 PGA Tour championships during his golfing career.
Phil Mickelson
Of the current generation, Mickelson was at the forefront of American golf alongside Woods. Although it took Mickelson a while to get his first major victory, since his triumph at the 2004 Masters, he has won six major golf tournaments, including the PGA Championship and UK Open. He won the PGA Championship at age 50, making him the oldest major winner. So, Mickelson is undoubtedly one of the greatest American golfers. Mickelson is still doing the rounds today, but plays more LIV Golf these days.
Sam Snead
Sam Snead may not have won the most majors, but his record in the PGA Tour is second to none. During his golfing career, Snead won a record 82 PGA Tour golf tournaments. This puts him ahead of the likes of Nicklaus (level with Woods). Admittedly, his record in the majors is not as good, but Snead still won several major titles, including the Masters, the Open Championship, and the PGA Championship. Overall, Snead was a great distance player and superb with long irons.
End Of My Greatest American Golfers Rant
These are a few of history’s best American golfers, both past and present. These golfers have set records in the sport and have won some major titles between them. They were golfers who showed that the USA is the king of golf.
