Dive into the careers of Greg Norman, Colin Montgomerie, Lee Westwood, and other remarkable golfers who have never won a major championship. Discover who is considered the best golfer to never win a major.
Best Golfers Without a Major Championship
Greg Norman
Greg Norman, often referred to as “The Great White Shark,” is widely regarded as one of the best golfers to have never won a major championship. Born in Australia in 1955, Norman had an illustrious career that spanned over three decades. He dominated the golfing world in the 1980s and 1990s, achieving numerous victories on both the PGA Tour and the European Tour.
Despite his remarkable success, Norman faced heartbreak in major championships. He finished as the runner-up in the Masters Tournament not once, but three times (1986, 1987, and 1996). Additionally, he came close to winning the U.S. Open on multiple occasions, finishing in second place in 1984, 1985, and 1995.
Norman’s aggressive style of play, combined with his exceptional ball-striking ability, made him a force to be reckoned with on the golf course. His powerful drives and precise iron shots earned him the admiration of fans and fellow players alike. However, the elusive major championship victory always seemed to elude him.
Colin Montgomerie
Colin Montgomerie, a Scottish golfer, is another prominent figure on the list of best golfers without a major championship. Born in 1963, Montgomerie enjoyed a highly successful career on the European Tour, where he won the Order of Merit a record-breaking eight times. He established himself as one of the most consistent players in the game, often leading to high expectations in major championships.
Montgomerie’s closest brush with major glory came in the U.S. Open. He finished as the runner-up in 1994, narrowly missing out on the title. Throughout his career, Montgomerie displayed exceptional accuracy off the tee and a remarkable short game, making him a formidable competitor in any tournament he played.
Despite his lack of major victories, Montgomerie’s contributions to European golf cannot be overlooked. He was a key figure in numerous Ryder Cup victories, both as a player and later as a captain. His leadership and passion for the game have solidified his status as one of the greatest European golfers of all time.
Lee Westwood
Lee Westwood, an English golfer, has consistently been ranked among the top players in the world for over two decades. Born in 1973, Westwood has amassed an impressive number of wins on the European Tour and has made a significant impact on the global golfing stage.
Throughout his career, Westwood has come agonizingly close to winning a . He has finished as the runner-up in both the Masters Tournament and The Open Championship. Despite not securing a major victory, Westwood’s name is synonymous with consistent excellence and a remarkable ability to perform under pressure.
Westwood’s game is characterized by his excellent ball-striking and a steady temperament. His ability to remain composed in challenging situations has endeared him to fans around the world. While the elusive major championship victory has eluded him so far, Westwood’s talent and determination continue to make him one of the best golfers without a major title.
Tom Weiskopf
Tom Weiskopf, an American golfer who rose to prominence in the 1970s, is widely considered one of the most talented players to have never won a major championship. Born in 1942, Weiskopf’s career was marked by a combination of exceptional skill and unfortunate timing.
Weiskopf finished as the runner-up in the U.S. Open four times (1972, 1973, 1975, and 1984), the most second-place finishes in the tournament’s history. His powerful swing and ability to shape shots made him a formidable competitor on any course. However, he often found himself overshadowed by other golfing greats of his time.
Despite his major championship drought, Weiskopf’s contributions to the game cannot be overlooked. He won numerous PGA Tour events and played a crucial role in the success of the United States in the Ryder Cup. Weiskopf’s legacy as one of the best golfers without a major championship is a testament to his skill and the fierce competition he faced during his career.
Doug Sanders
Doug Sanders, an American golfer known for his flamboyant style, is another notable name on the list of best golfers without a major championship. Born in 1933, Sanders enjoyed success on the PGA Tour throughout the 1960s and early 1970s.
Sanders came agonizingly close to winning a major championship on multiple occasions. He finished as the runner-up in the U.S. Open in 1961 and the PGA Championship in 1959, 1961, and 1966. His distinctive fashion sense and charismatic personality made him a fan favorite, but he was unable to secure a major victory.
Sanders’ career may have been defined by near misses, but his impact on the game extends beyond his major championship performances. He won 20 PGA Tour events and represented the United States in the Ryder Cup multiple times. Sanders’ colorful personality and undeniable talent make him a memorable figure in golf history.
Harry Cooper
Harry Cooper, a British-born American golfer, is widely regarded as one of the best golfers to have never won a major championship. Born in 1904, Cooper enjoyed success in the early years of professional golf.
Cooper’s consistency and accuracy on the golf course were exceptional. He finished in the top 10 of the U.S. Open an impressive 11 times, including four runner-up finishes. His skill with the short game and his ability to read greens made him a formidable competitor in any tournament he played.
While Cooper may not have achieved major championship glory, his contributions to the game are undeniable. He won numerous PGA Tour events and established himself as one of the top players of his era. Cooper’s legacy as one of the best golfers without a major championship is a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport.
Bruce Crampton
Bruce Crampton, an Australian golfer, is widely recognized as one of the best players to have never won a major championship. Born in 1935, Crampton had a successful career on the PGA Tour, winning numerous tournaments.
Crampton’s consistently strong performances in major championships earned him a reputation as a formidable competitor. He finished as the runner-up in the U.S. Open three times (1972, 1974, and 1975) and narrowly missed out on victory in The Open Championship in 1972.
Crampton’s accuracy off the tee and his ability to navigate challenging courses made him a respected figure in the golfing world. While he may not have secured a major championship victory, his contributions to the game are highly regarded.
Bobby Locke
Bobby Locke, a South African golfer, is widely regarded as one of the best putters in the history of the game. Born in 1917, Locke enjoyed success in the 1940s and 1950s, primarily on the European Tour.
Locke’s exceptional putting skills earned him four Open Championship victories (1949, 1950, 1952, and 1957). However, his major championship success was limited to The Open Championship, with no victories in the other three major tournaments.
Locke’s putting prowess and his ability to read greens with precision made him a force to be reckoned with. His impact on the game extended beyond his major championship performances, as he played a significant role in popularizing golf in South Africa.
Macdonald Smith
Macdonald Smith, a Scottish-born American golfer, is another notable figure on the list of best golfers without a major championship. Born in 1890, Smith enjoyed success in the early years of professional golf.
Smith’s consistent performances in major championships earned him a reputation as a fierce competitor. He finished as the runner-up in the U.S. Open on three occasions (1910, 1912, and 1928) and narrowly missed out on victory in The Open Championship in 1920.
Smith’s accurate ball-striking and his ability to maintain composure under pressure made him a respected figure in the golfing world. Despite not winning a major championship, his contributions to the game are highly regarded.
Jay Haas
Jay Haas, an American golfer known for his longevity and consistency, is one of the best golfers to have never won a major championship. Born in 1953, Haas enjoyed success on the PGA Tour and later on the PGA Tour Champions.
Haas came close to winning a major championship on multiple occasions. He finished as the runner-up in the Masters Tournament in 1995 and narrowly missed out on victory in the PGA Championship in 1984.
Haas’ remarkable longevity in the game and his ability to compete at a high level into his 50s are testaments to his skill and dedication. While a major championship victory eluded him, his contributions to the sport are highly regarded.
In conclusion, the list of the best golfers without a major championship is filled with exceptional talent and remarkable achievements. Greg Norman, Colin Montgomerie, Lee Westwood, Tom Weiskopf, Doug Sanders, Harry Cooper, Bruce Crampton, Bobby Locke, Macdonald Smith, and Jay Haas have all left an indelible mark on the game. While they may not have secured a major victory, their contributions, skill, and passion for golf continue to inspire future generations of players.
