1. Annika Sorenstam
Her numbers are as big as those of Berg and Suggs, Wright and Whitworth, yet Sorenstam has posted those numbers against, by far, the deepest, most competitive fields in the history of women's golf. And that's why she's the greatest female golfer of all-time.
2. Mickey Wright
Wright won 82 times, with 13 majors, and once posted double-digit wins in four straight years. And she did it despite giving up the full-time touring life by age 34. She was almost always considered the best-ever until you-know-who came along ...
3. Kathy Whitworth
Whitworth won 88 LPGA Tour events, more than any other woman, and more than any man has won on any tour.
4. Babe Didrikson Zaharias
You can, however, construct an argument that Zaharias is the greatest of all-time. It goes like this: The Babe's accomplishments (41 recognized Tour wins, many more amateur wins, 10 majors), unlike those of her contemporaries (Berg, Suggs, et.al.), don't deserve the previously mentioned historical discount (see Suggs at No. 10) because Babe proved the absolute value of those accomplishments in other venues. Specifically, against the men: In 1945, Zaharias played four PGA Tour events, and made the 36-hole cut in three of them. No other woman - to date - can claim such success. Plus, there's what others said about her; Patty Berg said finishing second to Babe was like winning. So she's in the mix, but in the final evaluation three others come out ahead.
5. Nancy Lopez
Lopez won 48 times, the most of her era. She also had the biggest individual seasons of her era. And her era was a fantastic one. These factors should put her in the running for No. 1. But they don't, for one simple reason: Lopez won only three majors. That's just not enough for someone to be considered the best ever. But she was clearly No. 1 among all her great contemporaries.
Thursday, April 5, 2007
5 top PGA Golfers
1. Jack Nicklaus
Nicklaus did not dominate his contemporaries quite like Tiger dominates his, but his contemporaries included a couple guys named Arnold Palmer and Gary Player (not to mention Lee Trevino, Johnny Miller and Tom Watson). Jack still managed 18 major championship victories - nearly twice as many as the next guy on the list. He finished second in majors even more times than that. He's No. 2 to Tiger in terms of peak value, but he's still No. 1 for the value of his career as a whole.
• Extra: Take the Jack Nicklaus Quiz
2. Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods is the most talented golfer ever to play the game. So why is he No. 2 instead of No. 1 on this list? Because he's still very early in his career. The question to ask about an active player is this: If his career ended tomorrow, where would he rank? If Tiger's career ended tomorrow, his career numbers would match up favorably with those of everyone else ... except Nicklaus. It's just a matter of time - literally - until Tiger is No. 1. For now, though, he's my runner-up.
• Extra: Take the Tiger Woods Quiz
3. Ben Hogan
Despite struggling for years on tour before breaking through, and despite having his career interrupted and cut short by a horrific auto accident, Hogan still managed nine major championship victories and 62 career wins. At his best, he left his contemporaries in the dust.
4. Bobby Jones
How great was Bobby Jones? It's not an easy question to answer. In his day, the four majors were the two Open championships - the British and U.S. - and the two Amateur championships - again, the British and the U.S. Jones won those four events 13 times and twice recorded the Grand Slam. And then retired at the age of 28. He went on to found The Masters.
5. Gary Player
Player has nine major championship wins. Player won the career Grand Slam also he has played tournaments around the globe. He has career victories.
Top Golf Companies
Adams Golf
Makers of the "Tight Lies" line of drivers and irons. Check the product showcase or look for a retail outlet near you.
Makers of the "Tight Lies" line of drivers and irons. Check the product showcase or look for a retail outlet near you.
Aserta Sports
Makers of a lineup of putters, Aserta also recently purchased Photon Golf.
Makers of a lineup of putters, Aserta also recently purchased Photon Golf.
Ben Hogan Golf
The company founded by the great Ben Hogan continues turning out top-notch equipment, such as the Hogan Apex irons and Apex Tour balls.
The company founded by the great Ben Hogan continues turning out top-notch equipment, such as the Hogan Apex irons and Apex Tour balls.
Bettinardi Golf
Bob Bettinardi is one of the master craftsmen of putter design. His company offers a high-end array of putters.
Bob Bettinardi is one of the master craftsmen of putter design. His company offers a high-end array of putters.
Bridgestone Golf
The parent company of Precept also markets clubs and balls under its own name.
Callaway GolfThe parent company of Precept also markets clubs and balls under its own name.
From the introduction of the Big Bertha line, Callaway has been a leader in golf club production and sales. They also own the Odyssey line of putters and a hot new brand of ball.
Carbite Golf
They call themselves the "short game solution," and putters are their specialty. You can also find top of the line wedges.
They call themselves the "short game solution," and putters are their specialty. You can also find top of the line wedges.
Cleveland Golf
Long known for the wedges, Cleveland has recently made inroads into the ultra-competitive driver market with the Launcher line.
Long known for the wedges, Cleveland has recently made inroads into the ultra-competitive driver market with the Launcher line.
Cobra Golf
Cobra is best known for its King Cobra line of oversized titanium drivers, but the company also offers irons, wedges and accessories.
Cobra is best known for its King Cobra line of oversized titanium drivers, but the company also offers irons, wedges and accessories.
Curv Golf
Curv Golf makes a convex-faced putter.
Curv Golf makes a convex-faced putter.
Daito Golf
Daito Golf is a Canada-based manufacturer of milled putters, plus putting trainers.
Daito Golf is a Canada-based manufacturer of milled putters, plus putting trainers.
Diamond Touch Golf
It's called Diamond Touch Golf because they really do use diamonds in their clubfaces. The result is an ultrahard surface and less spin.
It's called Diamond Touch Golf because they really do use diamonds in their clubfaces. The result is an ultrahard surface and less spin.
Dunlop Sports
Dunlop offers a full line of products, from drivers, irons and wedges to shoes and balls. The Tad Moore line of clubs is a popular choice.
Dunlop offers a full line of products, from drivers, irons and wedges to shoes and balls. The Tad Moore line of clubs is a popular choice.
Feel Golf
Feel is best known for its wedges, and offers two series of clubs: "Competitor" for highly skilled players and "Sensation" for those seeking game-improvement clubs.
Feel is best known for its wedges, and offers two series of clubs: "Competitor" for highly skilled players and "Sensation" for those seeking game-improvement clubs.
Gauge Design
Gauge Design makes putters that is says are the most-precise milled putters around. It combines modern technology with throwback designs.
Gauge Design makes putters that is says are the most-precise milled putters around. It combines modern technology with throwback designs.
Golf Research In Play (GRIP)
Golf Research In Play, a k a GRIP, debuted in 2006 with lower-priced clubs aimed at the middle market.
Golf Research In Play, a k a GRIP, debuted in 2006 with lower-priced clubs aimed at the middle market.
Green Maurer Golf
Green Maurer Golf is the maker of Sho-Me Professional Series Putters, new putters that feature unique alignment aids and put the clubhead above the plane of the ball.
Green Maurer Golf is the maker of Sho-Me Professional Series Putters, new putters that feature unique alignment aids and put the clubhead above the plane of the ball.
Hammy Putter
Hammy Putters are built for a different kind of putting stance, once that relies on a split grip and open stance. Hammys have been used successfully on numerous tours, perhaps most notably by Natalie Gulbis on the LPGA. And a side note: The company spells its name "hammY."
Hammy Putters are built for a different kind of putting stance, once that relies on a split grip and open stance. Hammys have been used successfully on numerous tours, perhaps most notably by Natalie Gulbis on the LPGA. And a side note: The company spells its name "hammY."
Henry-Griffitts
Henry-Griffitts clubs are available only through custom-fitting with a company-certified teaching pro. The website runs down the company's products and locations of certified clubfitters.
Henry-Griffitts clubs are available only through custom-fitting with a company-certified teaching pro. The website runs down the company's products and locations of certified clubfitters.
Hippo
The largest golf equipment manufacturer in Europe, best known for its woods.
The largest golf equipment manufacturer in Europe, best known for its woods.
Hog Golf
Hog Golf hit the limelight because of its putters, which are still popular. But the company also offers drivers, wedges and accessories.
Hog Golf hit the limelight because of its putters, which are still popular. But the company also offers drivers, wedges and accessories.
Infiniti Golf
Infiniti is a maker of clubs and components known for its commitment to clubfitting.
Infiniti is a maker of clubs and components known for its commitment to clubfitting.
Innovex Golf
This wholesale-direct manufacturer offers wedges, irons, hybrids and woods and is best-known for its irons.
This wholesale-direct manufacturer offers wedges, irons, hybrids and woods and is best-known for its irons.
Jazz Golf
Jazz is the largest Canadian wholly owned golf manufacturing company. It offers a full range of clubs as well as accessories such as bags.
Jazz is the largest Canadian wholly owned golf manufacturing company. It offers a full range of clubs as well as accessories such as bags.
Kasco Golf
Kasco offers a product line that features distance balls and drivers, as well as gloves. Find a demo day or check out the company's pro players.
Kasco offers a product line that features distance balls and drivers, as well as gloves. Find a demo day or check out the company's pro players.
Knight Golf
Knight Golf is a low-priced alternative to high-end clubs, offering drivers, irons, putters and more at big-box retail outlets.
Knight Golf is a low-priced alternative to high-end clubs, offering drivers, irons, putters and more at big-box retail outlets.
KZG
KZG makes a full line of golf clubs and accessories, including drivers that utilize maraging technology and forged irons.
KZG makes a full line of golf clubs and accessories, including drivers that utilize maraging technology and forged irons.
La Jolla Club
La Jolla Club, or LJC, first gained widespread notice with its Knife utility clubs. Also known for its junior clubs.
La Jolla Club, or LJC, first gained widespread notice with its Knife utility clubs. Also known for its junior clubs.
Louisville Golf
Louisville Golf is one of the rare companies remaining that still produces persimmon drivers and fairway woods. Also offers forged irons and putters.
Louisville Golf is one of the rare companies remaining that still produces persimmon drivers and fairway woods. Also offers forged irons and putters.
MacGregor
Browse MacGregor's clubs, bags and outerwear. The newest featured product: V-Foil forged clubs.
Browse MacGregor's clubs, bags and outerwear. The newest featured product: V-Foil forged clubs.
Maxfli
Now a division of TaylorMade, Maxfli offers a series of golf balls.
Now a division of TaylorMade, Maxfli offers a series of golf balls.
McHenry Metals
Founded by Gary Adams, who virtually invented the metal wood, McHenry Metals is known for its "TourPure" drivers and fairway metals.
Founded by Gary Adams, who virtually invented the metal wood, McHenry Metals is known for its "TourPure" drivers and fairway metals.
Merit Golf
Merit makes irons, wedges and putters, but is best known for its drivers that feature vertical - as opposed to the traditional horizontal - grooves on the clubface.
Merit makes irons, wedges and putters, but is best known for its drivers that feature vertical - as opposed to the traditional horizontal - grooves on the clubface.
Miura Golf
Miura offers custom built forged irons.
Miura offers custom built forged irons.
Mitsushiba Golf
Makers of full sets, drivers, hybrids and putters.
Makers of full sets, drivers, hybrids and putters.
Mizuno Golf
Mizuno is one of the most popular irons among pros. You'll also find putters, drivers, wedges, shoes, bags and accessories.
Mizuno is one of the most popular irons among pros. You'll also find putters, drivers, wedges, shoes, bags and accessories.
Nakashima Golf
High-end studio foundry best-known for its metal woods.
High-end studio foundry best-known for its metal woods.
Never Compromise
Now a division of Cleveland Golf, Never Compromise is known for its putters.
Now a division of Cleveland Golf, Never Compromise is known for its putters.
Nickent
Nickent makes a full line of products but is perhaps best known for its fairway metals.
Nickent makes a full line of products but is perhaps best known for its fairway metals.
Nicklaus Golf
Golf equipment from the Golden Bear, including the AirMax 360 driver. Browse the catalog or check for local retailers.
Golf equipment from the Golden Bear, including the AirMax 360 driver. Browse the catalog or check for local retailers.
Nike Golf
Nike Golf, whose equipment is played by Tiger Woods, offers a full line of men's and women's clubs, balls and accessories.
Nike Golf, whose equipment is played by Tiger Woods, offers a full line of men's and women's clubs, balls and accessories.
Orlimar
Best known for its hipTi metal woods and drivers.
Best known for its hipTi metal woods and drivers.
Perfect Club
Makers of drivers and fairway metals that feature shorter shafts for greater control.
Makers of drivers and fairway metals that feature shorter shafts for greater control.
Ping Golf
A company known for its irons and putters in particular, and offering a full line of products and services.
A company known for its irons and putters in particular, and offering a full line of products and services.
Pinnacle
Pinnacle is almost synonymous with "distance ball."
Pinnacle is almost synonymous with "distance ball."
Precept
Still best-known for its golf balls, but Precept also makes drivers, irons and other equipment.
Still best-known for its golf balls, but Precept also makes drivers, irons and other equipment.
Prince Golf
Prince is best known for introducing oversized rackets to tennis, but it also has introduced sweet spot methods to golf that it says greatly increase the odds for recreational players.
Prince is best known for introducing oversized rackets to tennis, but it also has introduced sweet spot methods to golf that it says greatly increase the odds for recreational players.
Pro-Curio Golf
Pro-Curio makes the "1-Putt Putter," a putter designed to lessen hand movement error while increasing balance through pendulum design.
Pro-Curio makes the "1-Putt Putter," a putter designed to lessen hand movement error while increasing balance through pendulum design.
Solo Golf
With patented technology with names such as "Turbolators" and "Stealth Panels," you'll understand why the company motto is "Yeah, it is rocket science." Solo Golf makes drivers, irons wedges, putters and accessories.
With patented technology with names such as "Turbolators" and "Stealth Panels," you'll understand why the company motto is "Yeah, it is rocket science." Solo Golf makes drivers, irons wedges, putters and accessories.
Sonartec
This company is best known for its fairway woods, drivers and its patented "Driving Cavity" technology.
This company is best known for its fairway woods, drivers and its patented "Driving Cavity" technology.
Square Two Golf
Square Two is best known for its women's clubs, but it also offers a full line of men's club.
Square Two is best known for its women's clubs, but it also offers a full line of men's club.
Srixon
Srixon was best known for balls when it first appeared on the scene, but now offers a full line of clubs and accessories.
Srixon was best known for balls when it first appeared on the scene, but now offers a full line of clubs and accessories.
STX
STX Golf makes putters - and nothing but putters. STX was a pioneer in the insert-face technology developed in the 1980s.
STX Golf makes putters - and nothing but putters. STX was a pioneer in the insert-face technology developed in the 1980s.
TaylorMade Golf
TaylorMade came on the scene with an innovative line of drivers, and continues strong in that category. Offers a full line of products.
TaylorMade came on the scene with an innovative line of drivers, and continues strong in that category. Offers a full line of products.
Thomas Golf
This direct-to-customer manufacturer offers a full line of clubs.
This direct-to-customer manufacturer offers a full line of clubs.
Titleist
Perhaps the most famous name in golf equipment, and long the leading ball company. New drivers and irons are major successes.
Perhaps the most famous name in golf equipment, and long the leading ball company. New drivers and irons are major successes.
Tommy Armour Golf
Tommy Armour has introduced some of the most popular iron sets for mid-handicappers over the past 20 years.
Tommy Armour has introduced some of the most popular iron sets for mid-handicappers over the past 20 years.
Top-Flite / Strata
Now a division of Callaway, Top-Flite makes popular value golf balls and the more upper-end Strata brand.
Now a division of Callaway, Top-Flite makes popular value golf balls and the more upper-end Strata brand.
Ram
The Ram company and then the Ram brand have undergone many changes of ownership over the years. Today, the Ram brand (owned by the same company that owns Tommy Armour) produces clubs aimed at recreational golfers.
The Ram company and then the Ram brand have undergone many changes of ownership over the years. Today, the Ram brand (owned by the same company that owns Tommy Armour) produces clubs aimed at recreational golfers.
Tour Edge Golf
Tour Edge produces a full range of clubs, for men, women and juniors, from full sets to individual woods, irons, wedges and putters.
Tour Edge produces a full range of clubs, for men, women and juniors, from full sets to individual woods, irons, wedges and putters.
Vulcan Golf
Vulcan makes a full line of equipment but is best known for its hybrids.
Vulcan makes a full line of equipment but is best known for its hybrids.
Wilson Golf
Offers a full line of products, in both value and high-end categories.
Offers a full line of products, in both value and high-end categories.
Yonex
One of the most popular brands around the world, especially its V-mass woods and irons.
One of the most popular brands around the world, especially its V-mass woods and irons.
LPGA tournaments
 |  |  |
Jan 19-21 | Women's World Cup of Golf | |
Feb 15-17 | SBS Open at Turtle Bay | |
Feb 22-24 | Fields Open in Hawaii | |
Mar 9-11 | Mastercard Classic | |
Mar 22-25 | Safeway International | |
Mar 29-Apr 1 | Kraft Nabisco Championship | |
Apr 12-15 | Ginn Open | |
Apr 19-22 | TBA | |
Apr 26-29 | Corona Morelia Championship | |
May 4-6 | SemGroup Championship | |
May 10-13 | Michelob Ultra Open | |
May 17-20 | Sybase Classic | |
May 24-27 | LPGA Corning Classic | |
May 31-Jun 3 | Ginn Tribute | |
Jun 7-10 | McDonald's LPGA Championship | |
Jun 21-24 | Wegmans LPGA | |
Jun 28-Jul 1 | U.S. Women's Open | |
Jul 12-15 | Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic | |
Jul 19-22 | HSBC Women's World Match Play | |
Jul 25-28 | Evian Masters | |
Aug 2-5 | Weetabix Women's British Open | |
Aug 16-19 | CN Canadian Women's Open | |
Aug 24-26 | Safeway Classic | |
Aug 30-Sep 2 | LPGA Statefarm Classic | |
Sep 7-9 | NW Arkansas LPGA Classic | |
Sep 14-16 | The Solheim Cup | |
Sep 27-30 | Navistar LPGA Classic | |
Oct 4-7 | Long Drugs Challenge | |
Oct 11-14 | Samsung World Championship | |
Nov 8-11 | Mitchell Co. Tournament of Champions | |
Nov 15-18 | ADT Championship |
PGA tournaments
| | |
Jan 4-7 | Mercedes-Benz Championship | |
Jan 11-14 | Sony Open in Hawaii | |
Jan 17-21 | Bob Hope Chrysler Classic | |
Jan 25-28 | Buick Invitational | |
Feb 1-4 | FBR Open | |
Feb 8-11 | AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am | |
Feb 15-18 | Nissan Open | |
Feb 21-25 | WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship | |
Feb 22-25 | Mayakoba Classic at Riviera Maya | |
Mar 1-4 | The Honda Classic | |
Mar 8-11 | PODS Championship | |
Mar 15-18 | Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard | |
Mar 22-25 | WGC-CA Championship | |
Mar 29-Apr 1 | Shell Houston Open | |
Apr 5-8 | The Masters | |
Apr 12-15 | Verizon Heritage | |
Apr 19-22 | Zurich Classic of New Orleans | |
Apr 26-29 | EDS Byron Nelson Championship | |
May 3-6 | Wachovia Championship | |
May 10-13 | THE PLAYERS Championship | |
May 17-20 | AT&T Classic | |
May 24-27 | Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial | |
May 31-Jun 3 | the Memorial Tournament Presented by Morgan Stanley | |
Jun 7-10 | Stanford St. Jude Championship | |
Jun 14-17 | U.S. Open | |
Jun 21-24 | Travelers Championship | |
Jun 28-Jul 1 | Buick Open | |
Jul 5-8 | The INTERNATIONAL | |
Jul 12-15 | John Deere Classic | |
Jul 19-22 | British Open | |
Jul 19-22 | U.S. Bank Championship in Milwaukee | |
Jul 26-29 | Canadian Open | |
Aug 2-5 | World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational | |
Aug 2-5 | Reno-Tahoe Open | |
Aug 9-12 | PGA Championship | |
Aug 16-19 | Wyndham Championship | |
Aug 23-26 | Barclays Classic | |
Aug 31-Sep 3 | Deutsche Bank Championship | |
Sep 6-9 | BMW Championship | |
Sep 13-16 | THE TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola | |
GOLF
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