Some golfers are destined for the spotlight. Others seem permanently stuck just outside it, always playing catch-up to someone else’s greatness.
This list is for the runners-up, the nearly-men, the guys who had all the tools but always seemed to run into a hotter putter, a more iconic rival, or a career that just never peaked at the right time. These are 15 talented golfers who, for whatever reason, always seemed to be second best.
15. Tommy Fleetwood
Fleetwood has the hair, the swing, and the swagger—just not the major win. He’s the guy who keeps showing up in big moments but never quite breaks through.
14. Colin Montgomerie
Monty dominated in Europe but could never quite get it done on the biggest stage. Eight top-10 finishes in majors without a win are both impressive and incredibly frustrating.
13. Rickie Fowler
Fowler was supposed to be part of golf’s next big wave, but he ended up as more of a cult favorite than a major killer. Always stylish, often in contention, rarely holding the trophy.
12. Lee Westwood
Westwood seemed to live on leaderboards but never at the very top when it mattered most. He made a career out of close calls and consistent play without the big-time hardware.
11. Tony Finau
Finau has all the talent in the world, but has struggled to turn that into wins on a consistent basis. He’s a fan favorite who often finds himself just shy of the finish line.
10. Steve Stricker
Stricker’s putting stroke was buttery smooth, and his game was as steady as they come. But when it came to majors, he just couldn’t quite get over the hump.
9. Sergio Garcia
Sergio finally got his major, but for most of his career he was the guy chasing Tiger—or arguing with him. Despite flashes of brilliance, he spent years being the bridesmaid.
8. Matt Kuchar
Kuchar’s game is built on consistency, not flash, and that’s both his superpower and his curse. He’s always in the mix but rarely the one hoisting the trophy.
7. Luke Donald
There was a moment when Donald was world number one without a major, which says everything. He had all the polish, but never the one shining victory to define his career.
6. David Duval
Duval looked like the heir to Tiger’s throne for a hot second. He briefly reached World No. 1 and won the 2001 Open Championship, but his career quickly faded after that.
5. Brandt Snedeker
Sneds had the short game to win anywhere but never cashed in at a major. He’s had a great career, just not a legendary one.
Read More: 15 Golfers Who Deserve a Major Before They Retire
4. Ian Poulter
Poulter turns into a superhero during the Ryder Cups but has been strangely quiet in the majors. His biggest wins have come in team events rather than solo glory.
Read More: 14 Golfers Who Were One Win Away from Greatness
3. Patrick Cantlay
Cantlay has been hanging around leaderboards for years, often looking like he’s on the verge of something big. But so far, the story of his career is more about potential than payoff.
Read More: Ranking the 20 LEAST Clutch Golfers of All Time
2. Ernie Els
Yes, he won majors, but even The Big Easy spent his prime years stuck behind Tiger’s giant shadow. He could’ve ruled an era—he just happened to share it with the GOAT.
Read More: The 10 Most Sportsmanlike Golfers in History
1. Phil Mickelson (Pre-2004)
Before finally breaking through at the 2004 Masters, Phil was the king of “almost.” He racked up more second-place finishes than most could stomach, always just behind the guy of the moment.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Most Passive-Aggressive Golfers Ever
