Discover the Legendary Golfers: Top 10 Green Jacket Winners
The Masters Tournament, one of the four major championships in men’s golf, has been held annually since 1934 at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. The tournament has a rich history of legendary golfers who have won the prestigious green jacket. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Top 10 Green Jacket Winners of all time and explore their careers, achievements, and impact on the game of golf.
10: Byron Nelson – Winning Twice in 1937 and 1942
Byron Nelson, born in Texas in 1912, was an exceptional golfer who won two green jackets at the Masters in 1937 and 1942. He turned professional in 1932 and won his first PGA Tour event in 1935. Nelson gained the nickname “Lord Byron” for his fluid swing and remarkable consistency that enabled him to outplay his opponents. In 1945, he had one of the most dominant seasons in golf history, winning a record 18 tournaments, including 11 in a row. He retired from competitive golf at the age of 34, with 52 PGA Tour wins to his name. Nelson was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974 and passed away in 2006 at the age of 94.
9: Sam Snead – Two-Time Masters Champion
Sam Snead, born in Virginia in 1912, was a fan favorite and one of the most successful golfers of all time. He turned professional in 1934 and won his first PGA Tour event in 1936. Snead’s folksy charm and inventive shot-making earned him two green jackets at the Masters in 1949 and 1952. He still holds the record for the most PGA Tour victories, with 82 wins to his name. Snead was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974 and passed away in 2002 at the age of 89.
8: Ben Hogan – Two-Time Masters Winner
Ben Hogan, born in Texas in 1912, is considered one of the greatest golfers of all time. He turned professional in 1930 and won his first PGA Tour event in 1940. Hogan is one of the greatest shot-makers in the history of the game and was known for his relentless work ethic and competitive spirit. He won two green jackets at the Masters in 1951 and 1953, and he also won nine other major championships. Hogan survived a near-fatal car accident in 1949 and made an inspiring comeback to win the U.S. Open in 1950. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974 and passed away in 1997 at the age of 84. One of the most famous Top 10 Green Jacket Winners.
7: Gary Player – Three-Time Top 10 Green Jacket Winners
Gary Player, born in South Africa in 1935, is one of the most successful international golfers of all time. He turned professional in 1953 and won his first PGA Tour event in 1958. Player was one of the first golfers to take fitness seriously, and he played on multiple continents, popularizing golf worldwide. He won three green jackets at the Masters in 1961, 1974, and 1978, and he also won nine other major championships. Player is known for his longevity and still competes in professional golf events at the age of 86. He has also been a vocal advocate for environmental and social causes, and he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974.
6: Arnold Palmer – Four-Time Masters Winner
Arnold Palmer, born in Pennsylvania in 1929, was one of the most popular and influential golfers of all time. He turned professional in 1954 and won his first PGA Tour event in 1955. Palmer was a trailblazer for professional golfers and helped to popularize the sport with his charismatic personality and incredible sportsmanship. One o the most loved Top 10 Green Jacket Winners. He won four green jackets at the Masters in 1958, 1960, 1962, and 1964, and he also won seven other major championships. Palmer was known as “The King” and was a beloved figure in the world of sports. He passed away in 2016 at the age of 87.
5: Tom Watson – Two-Time Masters Champion
Tom Watson, born in Missouri in 1949, was a dominant player in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He turned professional in 1971 and won his first PGA Tour event in 1974. Watson is regarded as one of the greatest ball strikers in the history of the game and was known for his accuracy and precision. He won two green jackets at the Masters in 1977 and 1981, and he also won eight other major championships. Watson has been a prominent figure in the world of golf as a player, commentator, and course designer.
4: Phil Mickelson – Three-Time Masters Winner
Phil Mickelson, born in California in 1970, is one of the most popular and successful golfers of his generation. He turned professional in 1992 and won his first PGA Tour event in 1995. Mickelson is known for his creative shot-making and his longevity, as he continues to be a top competitor even in his mid-50s. He has won three green jackets at the Masters in 2004, 2006, and 2010, and he has also won five other major championships. Mickelson is a fan favorite for his engaging personality and his philanthropic work, and he is considered one of the greatest left-handed golfers of all time.
3: Jimmy Demaret – Three-Time Masters Champion
Jimmy Demaret, born in Texas in 1910, was a flamboyant and stylish golfer who won three green jackets at the Masters in 1940, 1947, and 1950. He turned professional in 1935 and won his first PGA Tour event in 1936. Demaret was known for his colorful wardrobe and his entertaining personality on and off the course. One of the least remembered Top 10 Green Jacket Winners. He was one of the first golfers to be recognized for his style and flair, and he helped to pave the way for future generations of golfers to express themselves. Demaret was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1983 and passed away in 1983 at the age of 70.
2: Tiger Woods – Five-Time Masters Champion
Tiger Woods, born in California in 1975, is perhaps the most famous and successful golfer in history. He turned professional in 1996 and won his first PGA Tour event in 1996. Woods re-defined the sport of golf with his incredible athleticism and relentless pursuit of excellence. He won five green jackets at the Masters in 1997, 2001, 2002, 2005, and 2019, and he also won 14 other major championships. Woods was the youngest golfer to win the Masters in 1997 at the age of 21 and is the second golfer after Jack Nicklaus to have won all four major championships. Woods has been a dominant force in golf for over two decades, and his impact on the game is immeasurable. He has also faced numerous personal and professional challenges, including a highly publicized scandal and multiple injuries, but he remains one of the most iconic and influential athletes of all time.
1: Jack Nicklaus – Number 1 Top 10 Green Jacket Winners
Jack Nicklaus, born in Ohio in 1940, is widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time. Topping the list of Top 10 Green Jacket Winners. He turned professional in 1961 and won his first PGA Tour event in 1962. Nicklaus was known as the “Golden Bear” for his powerful and graceful swing, and he was a dominant player in his era. He won six green jackets at the Masters in 1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975, and 1986, and he also won 18 other major championships, the most of any golfer. Nicklaus was a model of consistency and longevity, playing at a high level well into his 40s. He has also been a successful golf course designer and philanthropist, and he remains an influential figure in the world of golf.
Conclusion: Top 10 Green Jacket Winners
The Masters Tournament has produced some of the most iconic moments in golf history, and the green jacket is one of the most coveted prizes in sports. The Top 10 Green Jacket Winners we’ve highlighted in this article represent the best of the best, with their talent, skill, and dedication to the game inspiring generations of golfers. Whether it’s Byron Nelson’s consistency, Gary Player’s fitness, or Tiger Woods’ athleticism, each champion has left an indelible mark on the sport. As we look to the future, we can only imagine the new legends that will emerge and add their names to the prestigious list of Masters winners.
If you’re ready to take your game to the next level as a beginner why not check out our guides to the best drivers, or Wedges or putt for dough with our list of the best putters. Fun Golf is all about putting the fun back into your game, let us be your guide for all you need to know about golf. Also if our game’s not up to scratch maybe think about the golf balls you use, our guide to the best golf balls is worth a read.
