Golf is a game of streaks—one minute you’re hoisting trophies, the next you’re missing cuts and wondering what happened to your swing. Some players manage to claw their way back from a rough patch, but others never quite rediscover the magic that made them stars in the first place.
This list is for the golfers who hit a wall and never found their way around it. Whether it was mental burnout, swing changes gone wrong, or just bad timing, these 13 players watched their momentum vanish—and it never really came back.
13. David Duval
Once the world’s number one golfer, David Duval hit a slump so hard it was like he fell off a cliff. Injuries and inconsistency derailed what could’ve been a legendary career.
12. Anthony Kim
Anthony Kim looked like golf’s next big thing until injuries forced him into early retirement. The mystery surrounding his disappearance only added to the legend of what could have been.
11. Michelle Wie
Michelle Wie entered the sport with massive hype but could never quite sustain elite-level performance. Despite a few bright spots, her career was more defined by injuries and unmet expectations.
10. Hunter Mahan
Mahan had a solid run on the PGA Tour before his form completely vanished. He went from Ryder Cup mainstay to missing cuts at an alarming rate.
9. Ian Baker-Finch
The 1991 Open Champion’s slump was so dramatic it became one of golf’s cautionary tales. He lost confidence to the point where he could barely keep the ball in play.
8. Mike Weir
Weir won The Masters in 2003 and then slowly faded into obscurity. Injuries and swing tweaks completely derailed his game.
7. Yani Tseng
Tseng was once the dominant force in women’s golf, racking up majors with ease. Then the wins stopped coming, and she seemingly vanished from the spotlight.
6. Jean Van de Velde
Best known for his collapse at the 1999 Open, Van de Velde never recovered mentally from that infamous meltdown. His name became shorthand for choking under pressure.
5. Ty Tryon
Tryon turned pro as a teenager and had the golf world buzzing. Unfortunately, he struggled with the pressure and never lived up to the early hype.
4. Paula Creamer
Creamer was a consistent contender for years, but then she hit a slump she couldn’t shake. Injuries and swing changes made it tough for her to regain form.
3. Luke Donald
At one point, the number one player in the world, Donald, fell from the top was swift and permanent. He never rediscovered the consistency that made him elite.
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2. Seung-Yul Noh
Noh won on the PGA Tour at a young age but struggled to stay competitive afterward. He’s bounced around tours since, never quite finding his groove again.
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1. Boo Weekley
Weekley was a fan favorite with a powerful game, but once the slump hit, it stuck. Injuries and personal struggles played a big part in his disappearing act.
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