Third Best Golfer Ever?
LICC
Well-known member
Over the same period as Hogan's prime, Hogan won more. And Hogan's biggest accomplishments- the Grand Slam, winning all three majors he played in 1953, the scoring records, surpass Snead's.
Lord Byron has to get some consideration, 52 PGA wins, 5 majors and in 1945 wins 18 of 30 events including 11 in a row. Follows that up by retiring the next year to be a cattle rancher at age 34. Because he could make more money as a rancher than a professional golfer. One can only imagine the numbers he could have put up if not retiring in his prime.
Hogan, then Palmer and Player, for me.
I'm going with Phil as third best. It's super tough to compare different generations but I believe golf is much harder now than it was 50-60+ years ago.
It’s tough because Snead, Hogan, Hagen, and Jones were all great golfers. In my opinion I have to rank him third best. He was the most competitive for the longest period of the list.
Now, best for the game? I would say Arnie, Tiger, and Jack in that order. You wouldn’t have the marketability for Tiger if it wasn’t for Arnie. Tiger, well we all know his affect on the game. Jack wad able to market himself outside of a player pretty well, but his name doesn’t have the same affect as seeing TW or a red, yellow, white, and green umbrella logos.
Now, best for the game? I would say Arnie, Tiger, and Jack in that order. You wouldn’t have the marketability for Tiger if it wasn’t for Arnie. Tiger, well we all know his affect on the game. Jack wad able to market himself outside of a player pretty well, but his name doesn’t have the same affect as seeing TW or a red, yellow, white, and green umbrella logos.
Like other posters have said, there is a difference between best player and player who had the most influence on the sport. If we are talking best, I can't choose between Hogan and Player.
He was my favorite when I was young, because I was small for my age and he was short and could hit it a mile. Haven't copied his preference for black golf clothes, though
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Palmer
Palmer for sure. Loved watching him in his prime.
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Gary Player would get my 3rd place vote, just barely. He accomplished alot against some pretty good competition.
I'd give honerable mentions to Palmer, Hogan, and Jones.
I'd give honerable mentions to Palmer, Hogan, and Jones.
LICC
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He wasn’t a long hitter, but was extremely accurate.
Northerner
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Amazing how much people either aren't aware og what Jones did or just don't acknowledge it. Plus...ddo yourself a favor and watch some video of his swing when you get a chance. The most perfect swing in the history of the game. (Yes, better than Snead or Hogan'sHogan's swings).
I’d have to go with Ben Hogan but so many great options.
tilley88
Active member
If Hogan had played in as many events as Jack and Tiger, had not missed as many majors due to WW2, had not had that terrible accident, had played the British Open more, the mind boggles at the possibilities. Hogan has always been number 1 in my mind.
LICC
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Jones was incredibly impressive but Tiger’s top accomplishments are clearly more impressive. Hogan’s too.
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The Hogan special on the Golf Channel last night was incredible.
BluesManDan
Active member
I’m scrolling through all these posts and can’t believe how many people are NOT saying Snead. In fact there’s a good argument to be made for him being the GOAT. I’d say the OP should be “top 3 are Nicklaus, Woods, Snead (in no certain order), who’s 4th?
If Snead isn’t at least top 3, then just say anything. Cosmo Kramer! Donald Duck! Donald Trump! John Daly!
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If Snead isn’t at least top 3, then just say anything. Cosmo Kramer! Donald Duck! Donald Trump! John Daly!
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In terms of a golfer I don't know for sure, in terms of golf as a whole, Arnie for sure.
Northerner
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For perspective on Jones:
He retired at age 27 with 13 majors
Tiger, at age 27, had 8 majors (11 if we are including his amateurs)
Jack at age 27 had 7 majors (9 if we are including his amateurs)
What would Jones have done if he had played another 20-30 years? He might have won 26 majors.
He retired at age 27 with 13 majors
Tiger, at age 27, had 8 majors (11 if we are including his amateurs)
Jack at age 27 had 7 majors (9 if we are including his amateurs)
What would Jones have done if he had played another 20-30 years? He might have won 26 majors.
Eh... Snead and Palmer have the same number of majors, and Palmer played 11 less years, and in arguably a tougher time on tour. Hogan has 2 more majors than Snead. Player has 2 more than Snead, and more total professional wins. Not sure how Snead is leaps and bounds above some of the others people have listed.
LICC
Well-known member
Snead never reached the levels of dominance that Tiger, Jack, or Hogan reached (or his contemporary Byron Nelson reached either). Snead is definitely outside the top-3. You can argue him on the next level- Arnie, Player, Byron Nelson, etc.
LICC
Well-known member
Hogan may have won 20 majors if not for the accident and WWII.
LICC
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The Tiger-Jack debate is really tough. The only thing Jack has in his favor is 18 majors to 15. But Tiger's best 1,2,3,5 and 10 year stretches were better than Jack's best. Jack stayed healthy for longer.