Sometimes in golf, one more win is all it takes to go from really good to legendary. These are the players who flirted with greatness but couldn’t quite seal the deal.
Whether it was a title that kept slipping away or a career-defining tournament that never landed, they lived on the edge of superstardom. One more win, and their legacies might have looked entirely different.
14. Rickie Fowler
Rickie had the charisma, the fan base, and the flashy outfits—he just needed one signature win to tie it all together. He came close in multiple majors but could never quite shut the door.
13. Tony Finau
Tony’s consistency has kept him near the top, but his win total doesn’t match the hype. One big-time victory could’ve pushed him into a different conversation.
12. Lee Westwood
One of the best to never win a major, Westwood spent years as a top-ranked player without grabbing that defining title. He was always in the mix, but never the last man standing.
11. Luke Donald
Donald hit world No. 1 without ever capturing a major, which is both impressive and frustrating. One clutch Sunday could have made his reign feel more legitimate.
10. Sergio Garcia
Yes, he finally got his Master’s win in 2017, but before that, Sergio was the poster boy for “almost greatness.” Had he won earlier in his career, we might view his resume in a whole new light.
9. Paul Casey
Casey has been a steady presence for years, but he’s never truly broken through. That one career-defining win always seemed just out of reach.
8. Brandt Snedeker
Snedeker had the touch, the putting, and the momentum—but the big win never came. One major would have taken him from solid to extraordinary.
7. Tommy Fleetwood
The hair, the swing, the likability—Fleetwood has it all except the win that elevates everything. He’s been close, but close doesn’t get you greatness.
6. Steve Stricker
Stricker’s game was consistent and clean, yet he never claimed a major. One breakthrough could have made him a household name, rather than just a respected one.
5. Ian Poulter
Poulter has Ryder Cup magic, but never brought that same energy to a solo major. One win outside the team setting would’ve completely changed how he’s remembered.
4. Matt Kuchar
Kuchar was always in the mix and racked up solid finishes, but the one big win always eluded him. Without it, he feels like the ultimate “nice career” guy.
3. Davis Love III
Yes, he won a major, but another could have vaulted him into elite company. His potential always hinted at something just a little more historic.
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2. Colin Montgomerie
Monty dominated European golf for years but never snagged that elusive major. His runner-up finishes still sting, especially since he was oh-so-close so many times.
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1. Greg Norman
The Shark had the swagger, the talent, and the heartbreak. A single major win in one of those crushing losses would have flipped his narrative from tragic to triumphant.
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