Best Golfers: Ranking the 10 greatest short games all-time

AUCHTERARDER, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 26: Phil Mickelson (L) of the United States talks with captain Tom Watson on the 6th tee during the Morning Fourballs of the 2014 Ryder Cup on the PGA Centenary course at the Gleneagles Hotel on September 26, 2014 in Auchterarder, Scotland. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

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29th June 1956: US golfer Sam Snead (1912 – 2002) competing in the Canada Cup competition at Wentworth. (Photo by Evening Standard/Getty Images)

Best Golfers #8: Sam Snead

The winningest golfer to ever play on the PGA, Sam Snead accumulated 82 wins during his career. It wasn’t just that he was good around the green, Snead was good from all over the course. This lead to him being named the third greatest golfer of all time, back in the year 2000.

Part of Snead’s game was his extreme athletic ability and his adaptability in being able to use that athleticism on the course. Whereas less athletic people may not trust in their ability to hit certain shots, Snead embraced that advantage. He was able to work wonders around the green, as well as bombing drives, earning the nickname Slammin’ Sammy.

Where Bobby Jones was renown for his straight forward approach around the green and keeping it simple, Snead was known for his creativity with his sand wedge once he got close to the green. Opposites of each other in how they played short shots, Snead would use his sand wedge all around the green to knock shots close and settle them in.

Snead believed that a lot of a golfers ability came from their use of hands, whether it be on the tee or around the green. His ability to mix the athleticism he had with the control of his hands made him one of the greatest short game players, and best golfers of all time.

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