The 1990s were a fascinating time in the world of golf. It was a decade of change—when legends extended their dominance, fresh faces rose to the top, and the sport inched closer to the global phenomenon it is today. Before Tiger-mania took over at the end of the decade, the ‘90s gave us a mix of steady veterans, international stars, and unpredictable major winners.
Whether they were racking up wins, contending at majors, or just showing up every Sunday with ridiculous consistency, these golfers helped define the era. From classic ball-strikers to emotional rollercoasters with a putter, here are the 20 best golfers of the 1990s.
20. Payne Stewart
Stewart’s classic style and dramatic flair made every round more interesting. He ended the decade with one of history’s most memorable U.S. Open wins.
19. Mark Calcavecchia
Calc wasn’t always the most consistent, but he could torch a leaderboard when he got hot. His aggressive approach and big personality made him a staple throughout the decade.
18. John Daly
Daly hit the ball a mile and lived life just as loud. He was unpredictable on and off the course, but he could win majors out of nowhere when locked in.
17. Jeff Maggert
Maggert didn’t rack up many wins, but he was a quiet force in the ‘90s. He made many cuts, contended often, and was always around on Sunday afternoons.
16. José María Olazábal
Olazábal brought short game magic and significant pedigree to the ‘90s. His two Masters wins bookended a decade of steady play and Ryder Cup brilliance.
15. Fred Couples
Cool and smooth, Couples was one of the most beloved players of the era. His swing was the envy of every weekend golfer, and his 1992 Masters win was peak Freddie.
14. Nick Price
Price had a monster stretch in the mid-’90s where he looked almost unbeatable. He owned his prime with three majors and many worldwide wins.
13. Tom Lehman
Lehman quietly built one of the decade’s most consistent resumes. He picked up a major, spent time as world number one, and always seemed in the mix.
12. Justin Leonard
Leonard brought steady nerves and big-moment energy to the ‘90s. His win at the 1997 Open and legendary Ryder Cup putt made him a household name.
11. David Duval
Before Tiger took over, Duval was his most significant threat. He ended the decade with wins, a calm demeanor, and the look of golf’s next big thing.
10. Nick Faldo
Faldo wasn’t flashy, but he was clinical. He added multiple majors to his resume in the early ‘90s and remained a threat in any big tournament.
9. Vijay Singh
Singh’s work ethic and grind-it-out style were legendary. He started winning regularly in the late ‘90s and never looked back.
8. Lee Janzen
Janzen picked up two U.S. Open titles in the ‘90s with some gritty performances. He wasn’t flashy but knew how to close when it mattered most.
7. Greg Norman
Norman spent a good chunk of the ‘90s ranked number one globally. The majors often eluded him, but his ball-striking and charisma kept him in the spotlight.
6. Colin Montgomerie
Monty never won a major, but he practically owned the European Tour. He was a consistent force throughout the decade and a Ryder Cup mainstay.
5. Ernie Els
Els had the perfect mix of power and elegance. His two major wins and steady presence made him one of the biggest global stars of the decade.
4. Corey Pavin
Pavin brought grit and precision to a power-dominated era. His 1995 U.S. Open win was a masterclass in control and clutch putting.
3. Davis Love III
DL III combined smooth style with a serious game. He was a top-tier contender all decade and finally got his major at the PGA Championship in 1997.
2. Phil Mickelson
Even though most of Phil’s majors came later, he was constantly present in the ‘90s. He racked up wins, thrilled crowds, and gave fans plenty of drama.
Read More: The 15 Most Delusional Golfers of All Time
1. Tiger Woods
Tiger showed up at the end of the decade and changed everything. His 1997 Masters win wasn’t just a victory—it was a cultural shift, and it capped off a ‘90s run that rewrote the future of the sport.
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