Some legends can’t resist the siren call of a major championship, no matter how long it’s been since they contended. Whether chasing one last moment of glory or just happy to tee it up alongside the best, these golf greats weren’t about to let a few missed cuts stop them from entering the game’s biggest stages.
From aging icons to long-retired champions, these players kept showing up year after year—sometimes grinding, smiling, sometimes both. Here are 13 golf legends who kept entering majors even when the odds weren’t in their favor.
13. Ian Woosnam
The 1991 Masters champion kept returning to Augusta well into his 60s, long after his prime. He may not have been a threat to win, but the man wasn’t about to miss a walk down Magnolia Lane.
12. Sandy Lyle
Another former Masters winner, Lyle became a staple of the early tee times every April. His results rarely impressed, but his commitment to showing up never wavered.
11. Ben Crenshaw
Even when his competitive edge dulled, Crenshaw’s love for Augusta burned bright. He played his final Masters in 2015, more than a decade after his last made cut.
10. Mark O’Meara
![Dec 21, 2024; Orlando, Florida, [USA]; Mark O'Meara tees off during the PNC Championship at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images](https://thequickreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Untitled-design-2025-06-12T163342.383-1024x658.png)
O’Meara cashed in on his Masters and Open wins by returning year after year, even as the leaderboard left him behind. He kept swinging with a smile, clearly just happy to be there.
9. José María Olazábal
The two-time Masters champ became a regular in the field long after his contention days ended. Fans loved seeing him, even if his scores didn’t always reflect it.
8. Bernhard Langer
Langer somehow straddled the line between “still competitive” and “perpetually eligible.” Even into his 60s, he kept making cuts and showing the youngsters a thing or two.
7. Fred Couples
Freddy’s back may have betrayed him, but he wouldn’t skip Augusta if he could help. A fan favorite forever, Couples has been the king of “just happy to be playing.”
6. Vijay Singh
Singh kept entering majors long after his last top finish, still grinding and hoping to find magic. His work ethic never faded, even when his scores did.
5. Tom Watson
Watson nearly stole the Open in 2009 at age 59—but he also had plenty of early exits before and after. Still, he kept showing up with optimism and class.
4. Nick Faldo
![Dec 21, 2024; Orlando, Florida, [USA]; Nick Faldo tees off during the PNC Championship at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images](https://thequickreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Untitled-design-2025-06-03T065642.748-1024x658.png)
Faldo’s final years in majors were more ceremonial than competitive, but the man loved the stage. He kept teeing it up long after his analyst gig was in full swing.
3. Gary Player
The player practically invented the idea of “keep entering majors no matter what.” He stuck around as long as possible and then kept showing up to hit ceremonial tee shots.
2. Jack Nicklaus
Even when he had no chance to win, the Golden Bear couldn’t resist one more stroll around Augusta. His presence alone gave the event more weight, even if the leaderboard didn’t include him.
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1. Arnold Palmer
Arnie entered the Masters well past his prime, giving fans decades of waves, smiles, and nostalgia. No one embraced the ceremonial side of major appearances quite like The King.
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