Who Are The 50 Best Golfers in History?

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Jul 17, 2015; St. Andrews, Fife, SCT; Tom Watson waves farewell to the fans from the Swilcan Bridge located on the 18th hole as he is playing his final round ever in The Open during the second round of the 144th Open Championship at St. Andrews – Old Course. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

11. Tom Watson

Watson’s most remarkable record is that he is one of four men to have won five British Opens. He had a chance to win six in 2009 but did not play the final hole well enough to seal the victory.

His eight majors include two Masters, one U.S. Open and the five British Opens. Watson’s battle against Jack Nicklaus in the 1977 British Open has been called the Duel in The Sun by writers of the era. Watson beat Nicklaus by a shot with a birdie on the final hole and set a tournament record of 268.

Watson was No. 1 in the world from 1978 until 1982. He was PGA Tour leading money winner in 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980 and 1984. He won five tournaments in 1977, 1978, and 1979, and he won seven in 1980. He was Player of The Year in 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980 and 1984, and he won the Vardon Trophy for low scoring average in 1977, 1978 and 1979. He dominated his era. However, like Arnold Palmer, he never won a PGA.

Watson’s battle against Jack Nicklaus in the 1977 British Open has been called the Duel in The Sun by writers of the era. Watson beat Nicklaus by a shot with a birdie on the final hole and set a tournament record of 268.

Watson won 71 times worldwide, 39 times on the PGA Tour.

Next: No. 10 - Gary Player