Introduction
Golf’s biggest prizes—the Masters, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and PGA Championship—are the ultimate test of greatness. While legends like Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer have defined their legacies through major victories, some of the game’s greatest talents have come painfully close but never secured a major win. This is an ode to the best golfers who never won a major but still left an unforgettable mark on the sport.
1. Lee Westwood – The Consistent Contender
- Major Runner-Up Finishes: 3
- Best Chances: 2010 Open Championship, 2016 Masters
- Why He’s on the List: Westwood has spent 22 weeks as World No. 1 and has multiple Ryder Cup heroics, but major titles have eluded him despite his immense talent.
2. Colin Montgomerie – Europe’s Ryder Cup Icon
- Major Runner-Up Finishes: 5
- Best Chances: 1994 & 1997 U.S. Open, 2005 Open Championship
- Why He’s on the List: Montgomerie dominated the European Tour, winning the Order of Merit a record eight times, but heartbreaking near-misses in majors defined his career.
3. Rickie Fowler – The People’s Favorite
- Major Runner-Up Finishes: 3
- Best Chances: 2014 U.S. Open, 2014 Open Championship
- Why He’s on the List: Fowler became the only player in history to finish top 5 in all four majors in one season (2014) but has yet to claim one.
4. Luke Donald – A Former World No. 1
- Major Runner-Up Finishes: 0
- Best Chances: Consistently competitive in the early 2010s
- Why He’s on the List: Donald was World No. 1 for 56 weeks and won both the PGA and European Tour money lists in 2011, yet never won a major.
5. Steve Stricker – A Model of Consistency
- Major Runner-Up Finishes: 0
- Best Chances: Multiple top-5 finishes across majors
- Why He’s on the List: One of the most accurate iron players of his era, Stricker won 12 PGA Tour titles but never broke through in a major.
6. Matt Kuchar – Always in the Hunt
- Major Runner-Up Finishes: 1
- Best Chances: 2017 Open Championship
- Why He’s on the List: Kuchar has been one of golf’s most consistent players, collecting multiple PGA Tour wins, yet he fell just short against Jordan Spieth at Royal Birkdale.
7. Miguel Ángel Jiménez – The Ageless Wonder
- Major Runner-Up Finishes: 0
- Best Chances: 2014 Open Championship (T-2)
- Why He’s on the List: Jiménez is one of the most charismatic figures in golf, winning 21 European Tour events but never lifting a major trophy.
Conclusion
Winning a major requires a blend of skill, mental fortitude, and a little bit of luck. These players may not have a major title on their resumes, but their influence on the game remains undeniable. Their careers serve as a reminder that greatness in golf isn’t solely defined by major wins.
