Ranking the 15 Most Athletic Golfers of All Time

Golf might not be the first sport that comes to mind when you think of elite athleticism, but don’t let the polos and khakis fool you. Behind the smooth swings and calm demeanors are some seriously gifted athletes who could’ve thrived in multiple sports—or, at the very least, outrun the rest of your country club.

These golfers didn’t just rely on finesse or feel. They brought power, explosiveness, flexibility, and coordination to the course, changing the way people think about what a golfer can be. Here are the 15 most athletic golfers of all time.

15. Adam Scott

Jun 15, 2025; Oakmont, Pennsylvania, USA; Adam Scott plays his shot from the third tee during the final round of the U.S. Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

With movie-star looks and a swing that could be used in instructional videos, Adam Scott is also a sneaky-good athlete. He’s been known to crush workouts and stay in ridiculous shape year-round.

14. Dustin Johnson

May 16, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Dustin Johnson putt on the fifteenth hole during the second round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at Quail Hollow. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

DJ looks like he could’ve played safety in the NFL, and his long, athletic frame makes golf look a little too easy. That effortless power and balance didn’t come by accident—he’s one of the fittest guys on tour.

13. Annika Sörenstam

Dec 22, 2024; Orlando, Florida, [USA]; Annika Sorenstam tees off on the second hole during the PNC Championship at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Annika trained like a machine during her prime, pioneering strength and conditioning in the women’s game. Her athleticism gave her an edge that helped her dominate the LPGA for over a decade.

12. Tony Finau

May 18, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Tony Finau tees off on the third hole during the final round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at Quail Hollow. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Tony Finau was throwing down windmill dunks in high school before he ever broke par. He brings basketball-level athleticism to the tee box and makes the game look casual with his smooth power.

11. Lexi Thompson

Lexi Thompson hits an approach shot on the eighth hole during the second round of the U.S. Women’s, Friday, May 30, 2025, at Erin Hills in the Town of Erin, Wisconsin.
Mark Hoffman / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Lexi’s been a workout warrior since her teens, and it shows in the way she smashes the ball off the tee. She’s strong, fast, and flexible—the modern blueprint for a power player on the LPGA Tour.

10. Bryson DeChambeau

May 18, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Bryson DeChambeau takes a shot on the 18th hole during the final round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at Quail Hollow. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Say what you want about his methods, but Bryson turned himself into a walking science experiment and powerlifting machine. His brute strength and single-minded obsession with speed changed the game, literally.

9. Ernie Els

Ernie Els walks on the 1st green during the second round of the 2016 Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
Michael Madrid / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

They don’t call him “The Big Easy” for nothing—Ernie made everything look smooth, but some serious natural athleticism powered that swing. At 6’3”, he moved like a much smaller man and had elite balance and coordination.

8. Michelle Wie

Jul 7, 2023; Pebble Beach, California, USA; Michelle Wie West tees off on the tenth hole during the second round of the U.S. Women's Open golf tournament at Pebble Beach Golf Link. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Before injuries slowed her down, Michelle Wie had one of the most athletic builds in golf, period. She combined height, flexibility, and power in a way that helped her compete against men while still in high school.

7. Hale Irwin

May 23, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; Hale Irwin follows through on his tee shot on the 11th hole during first round of the 74th Senior PGA Championship at Bellerive Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kane-Imagn Images
Scott Kane-Imagn Images

Not only did Hale Irwin win multiple U.S. Opens, but he was also a college football star at Colorado. He brought old-school grit and two-sport athleticism to the PGA Tour long before it was trendy.

6. Gary Woodland

May 9, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Gary Woodland plays his shot from the first tee during the second round of the Truist Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Woodland played Division II college basketball before switching to golf full-time, and that hoops background still shows in his explosive swing. He’s one of the strongest, most dynamic players of his generation.

5. Sam Snead

04/07/1983; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Sam Snead chipping out of bunker at Augusta National Golf Course during the 1983 Masters. Mandatory Credit: File Photo -The Augusta Chronicle via USA TODAY NETWORK
The Augusta Chronicle-USA TODAY NETWORK

Way before fitness was a thing in golf; Sam Snead was out here doing high kicks and striking bodybuilding poses. The man was a natural athlete through and through—and continued to play well into his 60s without losing much of his edge.

4. Brooks Koepka

Aug 25, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; Brooks Koepka plays his shot from the tenth tee during the final round of the Tour Championship golf tournament at East Lake Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-Imagn Images
Butch Dill-Imagn Images

Brooks looks like he should be anchoring an SEC linebacking corps, not reading putts on Sunday. His gym work, strength, and swagger make him one of the most intimidating athletes to have ever held a golf club.

Read More: The Most Iconic Athlete from Each State

3. Tiger Woods

April 14, 2002; Augusta, GA, USA; Tiger Woods watches his shot out of the sand on the first hole during the final round of the 2002 Masters. Mandatory Credit: Tim Dillon/USA TODAY ***EDITORIAL USE ONLY
Tim Dillon-USA TODAY

Tiger didn’t just change golf—he revolutionized what a golfer could be. From his military-style workouts to explosive swing speeds, Tiger was built more like a running back than a country club kid.

Read More: The 25 Most Athletic NBA Players Ever

1. Rory McIlroy

May 18, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Rory McIlroy watches his shot on the 15th hole during the final round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at Quail Hollow. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Rory may not tower over the field, but pound for pound, he’s one of the most explosive athletes in golf history. His insane swing speed, balance, and gym-honed body have helped him stay at the top of the game for over a decade.

Read More: The 13 Most Athletic Quarterbacks Ever

Related Articles
Oct 16, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Robert Griffin III on the ESPN Monday Night Football Countdown set SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Commanders’ Robert Griffin III Slams Racist Attack on Angel Reese
Robert Griffin III called out racist imagery targeting Angel Reese after her NBA 2K26 cover appearance,...
Read More
Jul 9, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) drives to the basket against the Dallas Wings during the second half of a WNBA game at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
WNBA Fans Slam RGIII for “Hate-Baiting” Angel Reese Comments
Robert Griffin III’s comments on Angel Reese spark backlash from WNBA fans who accuse him of clout-chasing...
Read More
Jun 1, 2025; Erin, Wisconsin, USA; Charley Hull tees off during the final round of the U.S. Women's Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Prayers Pour In for LPGA Star After Scary Collapse at Evian Championship
LPGA Tour standout Charley Hull collapsed twice at the Evian Championship and was stretchered off the...
Read More

As an Amazon Associate, The Quick Report earns from qualifying purchases.

Part of the Castaway Studios media network.