OWGR: Ranking Every World No. 1 in History

18 of 20

Seve Ballesteros of Spain celebrates after he holes out on the final 18th green to win the 113th Open Championship on 22nd July 1984 on the Old Course at St Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images) /

3. Seve Ballesteros

Time at the top: 61 weeks

Few, if any, guys on this list are bad ambassadors for the game of golf, but who was more iconic than Seve? Like Gary Player was to South Africa, Seve was a hero and more for the country of Spain. From his trademark blue sweater to his ability to get up-and-down from parking lots, Ballesteros was an icon who was one of the more revered players to top the OWGR. His time spent at the top wasn’t too shabby, either. His total of 61 weeks ranks fifth-best out of 19 number ones, and his haul of five major championships also places him in rarified air. He was the first in European Tour history to reach 50 wins, and many in the golf world have advocated for his silhouette to be the tour’s new logo.

His untimely death in 2011 at the age of 57 reminded golf fans around the world of the joy Seve brought to the game, inspiring future world number ones to carry on his spirit.

Next: Greg Norman

Home/Golf History