The 10 Greatest Golf Rivalries of All Time

There have been legendary rivalries between golf giants over the years. From past players to current stars, these rivalries have gone beyond the course and even onto social media, driving some of golf’s greatest moments. Here are ten of the fiercest rivalries that have shaped the history of the sport:

1. Arnold Palmer vs Jack Nicklaus

Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer’s rivalry played a key role in making golf global. Their rivalry started in the 1960s when Palmer won several titles and helped make the sport popular. But Nicklaus quickly emerged as a fierce competitor, and by the end of their careers, Nicklaus had won a record 18 major championships, while Palmer won seven majors but remained the face of golf for many years. Their rivalry wasn’t bitter but electric—they competed fiercely, celebrated each other’s triumphs, and together built the foundation of modern golf.

2. Tiger Woods vs Phil Mickelson

Golf changed forever when Tiger Woods burst onto the scene in 1997. His dominance, focus, and ferocity created a new standard—and Phil Mickelson became his most natural foil. They circled each other for years. Woods has won 15 major championships, 82 PGA Tour titles, and spent more than 680 weeks as world number one. Mickelson, with six majors and 45 tour victories, was usually seen as the challenger, but his genius around the greens made him a force to be reckoned with.

3. Jack Nicklaus vs Tom Watson

This rivalry produced perhaps the greatest duel golf has ever seen—the 1977 Open Championship at Turnberry. Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson matched brilliance with brilliance under a blazing Scottish sun, separated by a single stroke on the final hole. Watson’s victory that day was a defining moment, as he would go on to win eight majors—often at Nicklaus’ expense.

4. Sir Nick Faldo vs Greg Norman

Some rivalries are defined by one unforgettable day. For Nick Faldo and Greg Norman, that day came at Augusta in 1996. Norman entered the final round of the Masters six shots ahead, poised for a long-awaited green jacket. What followed was a spectacle, as Norman’s collapse and Faldo’s composure combined to produce one of the most dramatic finishes in major history. Faldo’s victory cemented his reputation as golf’s best, while Norman—who went on to win two Open Championships and held the world number one ranking for 331 consecutive weeks—saw that day at Augusta become the defining chapter of their rivalry.

5. Seve Ballesteros vs Nick Faldo

Seve Ballesteros and Nick Faldo could not have been more different. Their styles clashed and complemented each other in equal measure, especially during the height of the Ryder Cup, when passion ran as deep as skill. Ballesteros’ five majors and magnetic charisma turned him into Europe’s first global star, while Faldo’s six majors and precise approach made him the embodiment of professionalism.

6. Ben Hogan vs Sam Snead

Two men stood above the rest in the post-war years—Ben Hogan and Sam Snead. Hogan’s nine majors, achieved despite a near-fatal car accident in 1949, remain among golf’s most inspiring achievements. Snead recorded 82 PGA Tour wins—a record matched only by Tiger Woods. They shared little warmth but immense respect. Their rivalry was one of the fiercest of the post-war era as they both dominated the game.

7. Bobby Jones vs Walter Hagen

Golf’s first great rivalry belonged to Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen, long before the era of television and sponsorship deals. Their duels in the 1920s symbolized a sport at a crossroads between the old amateur ideals and the rise of professionalism. Jones’ crowning moment came in 1930 when he won the Grand Slam—claiming all four major championships of his era in a single year. Hagen, with eleven majors, proved that he wasn’t a pushover either, as their rivalry helped transform golf into a global sport.

8. Arnold Palmer vs Gary Player

Arnold Palmer, America’s beloved “King,” played with daring and showmanship that attracted millions to the game. Gary Player, the driven South African, combined athleticism and discipline long before it became fashionable. Their rivalry was fierce but respectful. Palmer’s seven majors made him the face of golf’s TV revolution, while Player cemented his global legacy with nine majors. Their friendship endured, but it didn’t extend to the course.

9. Scottie Scheffler vs Rory McIlroy

Current World No. 1 and No. 2, Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, have been locked in a rivalry for years. McIlroy has won four majors and is chasing the career Grand Slam, joining the exclusive list of players who have captured all four major titles. However, Scheffler is yet to achieve the feat, with the U.S. Open still missing from his trophy list. While Scheffler’s meteoric rise is marked by his consistent victories and record-breaking PGA Tour dominance, McIlroy remains a fierce rival and continues to battle the American for golf’s biggest prizes.

10. Jordan Spieth vs Justin Thomas

The modern golf generation found its rivalry in Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas—childhood friends turned fierce competitors. They’ve walked the same paths since junior golf, now trading majors and memories on the world stage. Spieth’s early dominance brought three majors, while Thomas responded with his own major wins and a FedEx Cup title. Both Spieth and Thomas have won the PGA Tour’s FedExCup, with the American duo having played together—and against each other—since their teenage years.