Golf is one of the world’s most popular and richest sports. This has been underlined by tournament attendances, TV audiences, sites like bettingonline.co.uk listing an increasing number of golf promotions as well as growing sponsorship and tournament prize money. Over the last decade, there have been some great moments in the game, pulled off by the sport’s very best. To be recognised as one of the elite players, you must remain at the top for a sustained period of time, and we have highlighted three players who should definitely be considered the best over the last decade.
Rory McIlroy
McIlroy, 30, made his breakthrough on the PGA Tour by winning the Quail Hollow Championship at the start of the decade. It was the moment McIlroy announced his arrival on the main stage, a place where he has remained ever since.
McIlroy followed up his win at the Quail Hollow Championship in 2011 by securing a memorable victory at the U.S. Open. With the Northern Irelander victorious in the PGA Championship in 2012 as well.
Between 2010 and 2019, McIlroy has amassed a total of eighteen victories on the PGA Tour. He scooped four majors in that period which is in addition to three World Golf Championships and a stunning five FedExCup Playoffs to his name as well. When you combine his accomplishments, McIlroy is the outstanding candidate for golfer of the decade.
Dustin Johnson
Dusting Johnson is another golfer who has performed exceptionally well over the last decade, regardless of some hurtful losses. Like McIlroy, Johnson has a haul of eighteen victories on the PGA Tour, something which should be respected.
Johnson can count six World Golf Championships, four FedExCup Playoffs and the 2016 U.S. Open amongst his achievements. He’s the only golfer to qualify every season for the Tour Championship over the decade as well.
It’s easy to see Johnson and the last decade as a story of what could have been, after going close for a career Grand Slam, three other majors, the Masters et al. However, he has achieved more than what the majority haven’t — making him one of the best.
Jordan Spieth
Spieth, 26, seems to have been around forever, but he didn’t turn professional until 2012. There is no doubting Spieth’s ability as a golfer, and likely future World Golf Hall of Fame member. Especially when he has eleven PGA Tour titles to his name already, which includes three majors.
However, it was how Spieth became somewhat of a trailblazer which caught the eye. He’s set the example for young golfers since, changing the sport for the better. By working sponsor exemptions to his advantage, Spieth was able to pick up his tour card at 19 years old. Going on the become the first teenager to win the tour since 1931.