13 Golfers Who Never Recovered From a Slump

Every golfer hits a rough patch, but the great ones usually find their way back. Whether it’s a new swing, a fresh caddie, or sheer determination, most manage to claw their way out of the dark.

But for some, the slump sticks like a bad slice. These 13 players started spiraling and couldn’t pull out of the nosedive, leaving fans wondering what could’ve been.

13. David Duval

He went from world No. 1 to missing cuts like it was his job. Once the swing vanished, so did the confidence, and the comeback never really came.

12. Anthony Kim

He was electric early on, but once the injuries kicked in, the magic disappeared. The longer the absence stretched, the less likely a return seemed.

11. Hunter Mahan

For a while, he was a Ryder Cup regular and consistent contender. Then came the decline, and he faded from the spotlight without much fanfare.

10. Ian Baker-Finch

His Open Championship win felt like the start of something big. But instead, it marked the beginning of a mental spiral he never truly escaped.

9. Boo Weekley

He was a fan favorite with a quirky swing and big energy. Unfortunately, the form dipped and never really rebounded.

8. Bill Glasson

Injuries piled up just as his game was heating up. After that, it was a long, frustrating run of missed opportunities.

7. Mike Weir

After winning the Masters, expectations skyrocketed. But a lingering slump took hold, and he never found that green jacket form again.

6. Lucas Glover

He snagged a major and looked like a long-term contender. Instead, he battled putting woes that derailed his consistency for years.

5. Jeff Overton

He had one shining Ryder Cup moment, but that ended up being the peak. His game dipped, and he slowly disappeared from leaderboards.

4. Ty Tryon

The hype was off the charts when he turned pro as a teen. But the pressure and performance gap became too much to overcome.

3. Yani Tseng

Yes, she dominated the women’s game—but her fall from the top was sudden and steep. The former world No. 1 couldn’t find her groove again.

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2. Robert Allenby

Once a steady competitor, his game unraveled dramatically. Between off-course issues and poor form, the slump became permanent.

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1. John Daly

There were flashes of brilliance and plenty of personality. But when the slump came, the lack of discipline made sure it stuck around.

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