Golf’s Greatest Rivalries: A Look at Competitive Stories

Golf’s Greatest Rivalries: A Look at Competitive Stories

By Ken Martin, Keiser University College of Golf Professor and PGA Certified Professional

Rivalry is the heartbeat of sports, injecting drama, passion, and excitement into the fabric of competition. For this article, rivalry is defined as a competition for superiority in the same field. 

In golf, a sport where precision, strategy, and mental fortitude are paramount, rivalries have played a pivotal role in shaping its history and captivating fans worldwide. From the fairways of St. Andrews to the greens of Augusta, golfers have engaged in battles that transcend mere scores, creating narratives that resonate across generations. While golf is often seen as a gentleman’s game, it has also served as the stage for some of the most intense and lasting rivalries among women. Since there is a lot to review, this article is divided into two parts: Part 1, which focuses on men’s rivals, and Part 2, which focuses on women’s rivals. These rivalries are not just about who wins or loses but about the stories they tell—stories of ambition, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Whether it’s the charismatic duels of Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus or the more modern-day battles of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, these rivalries have not only entertained fans but also elevated the sport to new heights. Similarly, in women’s golf, rivalries like Annika Sorenstam vs. Karrie Webb and Mickey Wright vs. Kathy Whitworth have showcased the depth of talent and determination among female golfers, inspiring generations of players and fans alike. This article examines the origins, major moments, and lasting impact of various rivalries in golf. Reviewing these competitive stories can provide a deeper understanding of the human element that makes golf so captivating.

Men’s Golf Rivalries

Old Tom Morris and Willie Park Sr.

Allan Robertson (1815-1859) of Scotland was the first to break 80 on the Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland, and seemed to have no rivals. However, two golfers emerged as challengers for dominance in the game. Old Tom Morris and Willie Park Sr., respectively from St. Andrews and Musselburgh, competed in matches watched by thousands of spectators at venues such as Musselburgh, North Berwick, and St Andrews. Theirs was one of the earliest great rivalries in golf, beginning in 1850 and lasting approximately 25 years. The matches were frequently played for large amounts of money, and the two golfers also founded club and ball-making businesses, shaping the early development of the game. This rivalry helped sustain the Open Championship in its early years, with Park winning three of the first eight Opens and Morris winning four.

Key Moments

• 1860 – Park won the first Open Championship at Prestwick, the course overseen by Old Tom Morris, who was widely expected to win. 
• 1870 – The Musselburgh Incident: A famous, controversial match in Musselburgh was abandoned due to unruly crowds and interference with Morris’s play. It is said that when a referee stopped play, Old Tom went to a pub, but Willie ignored the stoppage and finished his round. The next day, Old Tom finished the match with the referee present and technically won, but it was later voided. 
• 1874 – The father-son team Morris lost to the father-son team Park in a £25 foursomes contest at North Berwick. 
• After Young Tom Morris died in 1875, neither Old Tom nor Willie Park Sr. won another Open Championship. 

Significance

This rivalry played a significant role in shaping the foundation of The Open Championship and elevating the profile of professional golf to national celebrity status. Their fierce competition and the strong local support for each player solidified their reputation, making them national figures who greatly contributed to the sport’s development.

Harry Vardon and Willie Park Jr.

The rivalry between Harry Vardon and Willie Park Jr. was culturally significant in the early history of golf, particularly in the late 1890s. While the Scots dominated competitive golf for decades with the likes of Morris and Park, the emergence of Harry Vardon from Jersey quickly challenged the status quo. The following are key moments from the most famous match of their rivalry.

• 1898 Open Championship: Vardon won his second Open title at Prestwick, beating Park by a single stroke. Park, reportedly frustrated by missing a putt that would have forced a playoff, immediately challenged Vardon to a 72-hole match.
• The £100 Challenge Match: Park’s challenge, with a wager of £100 per side, was initially proposed for 36 holes at his home course in Musselburgh and 36 at a course of Vardon’s choice.
• Vardon’s Initial Refusal: Vardon was hesitant to accept, partly due to the potential £100 wager and because he didn’t want to play at Musselburgh, where fan behavior towards opponents could be unfriendly.
• Park’s Concession and the Match: Park eventually agreed to move his home leg of the match to North Berwick Golf Club, and Vardon chose his home course of Ganton, Yorkshire. The match took place in July 1899, with 10,000 Scottish fans in attendance at North Berwick.
• Vardon’s Decisive Victory: Vardon ultimately won the match in dominant fashion, finishing 11 up with ten holes to play, claiming the £200 prize and the bragging rights. This victory occurred after Vardon had already won his third Open Championship, solidifying his status as a leading player. 

Significance

• Increased Public Interest: Such challenges and rivalries between top players like Vardon and Park significantly increased public interest in golf.
• Headline Event: The 1899 match was heavily promoted and billed by the press as the greatest golf competition of all time, highlighting the public’s fascination with these high-stakes clashes.
• Willie Park Jr.’s Legacy: While known for his Open wins in 1887 and 1889, Park also contributed to the game as a prolific golf course architect and creative clubmaker.
• Harry Vardon’s Dominance: Vardon went on to win a record six Open Championships and is considered a pioneer of the modern golf swing and the overlapping grip, which bears his name. He became a global celebrity in the golf world and significantly expanded the game in America through a nationwide tour in 1900. 

Overall, the rivalry between Vardon and Park, particularly their publicized challenge match, was a key moment in golf’s history, captivating the public and showcasing the exciting nature of professional golf in its early days. 

Walter Hagen vs. Bobby Jones: The Roaring Twenties Showdown

Walter Hagen and Bobby Jones defined golf in the 1920s, with their rivalry epitomizing the clash between professional and amateur golf. Hagen, a flamboyant showman and one of the first professional golfers, won 11 majors, including five PGA Championships. Jones, a gifted amateur, won 13 majors (seven professional and six amateur) and remains celebrated for his 1930 Grand Slam, in which he won all four major championships available at the time. While the two never met head-to-head in the final round of a major championship, the World Championship exhibition match between the two may have changed the history of the game.

Key Moments

• In the 1926 World Championship, Hagen and Jones faced off in a highly publicized match. Hagen’s professional grit outlasted Jones’s polished amateur style, with Hagen handily winning a thrilling 72-hole match play contest 12 and 11.
• It is notable that the results of this match may have been the deciding factor on Jones’s remaining amateur, a status that led to his unheralded Grand Slam in 1930.
• It is further notable that in the 13 major tournaments where both men competed, Jones consistently outperformed Hagen, and Hagen never won a major in which Jones was in the field.

Significance

Hagen and Jones helped elevate golf’s popularity during the 1920s, as the rivalry was a classic clash of styles and personalities, pitting professional competition against that of amateurs.  Their rivalry defined the gap between amateur and professional golf, shaping the modern structure of the sport.

Byron Nelson and Ben Hogan: Masters during and after the War

Byron Nelson and Ben Hogan, two titans of golf born in 1912 in Texas, forged one of the sport’s most enduring rivalries. Their paths intertwined early as caddies at Glen Garden Country Club in Fort Worth, where they honed their skills amid financial hardship. Nelson, known for his smooth swing and consistency, and Hogan, celebrated for his relentless work ethic and precision, transitioned from friends to professional competitors in the 1930s and 1940s. This competition not only elevated their careers but also highlighted golf’s shift from amateur roots to professional prominence during and after World War II.

Their early encounters set the stage for a lifetime of competition. Both turned pro in the early 1930s, when Nelson achieved early success and his first major at the 1937 Masters. Hogan initially struggled financially, but caught up by 1940, when he became the Tour’s leading money-winner and publicly critiqued Nelson’s practice habits during a radio appearance, calling him “too lazy to practice.” This jab underscored a growing tension as Hogan’s game sharpened. By the 1940s, amid wartime disruptions, they vied for supremacy, with Nelson dominating before his early retirement and Hogan surging post-war.

Key Moments

• 1927 Caddie Championship: At age 15, Nelson and Hogan competed in Glen Garden’s caddie tournament. After tying, Nelson won a 9-hole playoff, earning a Mid-iron prize; Hogan was awarded a Mashie.
• 1937 Masters: Nelson claimed his first major, signaling his rise, while Hogan was still building his career.
• 1940 Public Spat: Hogan’s radio comment about Nelson’s laziness highlighted emerging rivalry, as Hogan won three events and led in earnings.
• 1942 Masters Playoff: Tied after regulation, Nelson defeated Hogan 69-70 in an 18-hole playoff for his second green jacket, their last head-to-head major duel.
• 1945 Season: Nelson’s legendary year included 18 wins and 11 in a row, despite Hogan’s five victories post-military service; notably, Hogan beat Nelson by 14 strokes at the Portland Invitational.
• 1946 Season: Hogan wins 13 times; Nelson wins four events and retires at the end of the season.
• 1949 Hogan Accident: After Hogan’s near-fatal car crash, Nelson visited him in the hospital, strengthening their bond.

Significance

The Nelson-Hogan rivalry went beyond just scores in shaping modern golf. It showed how competition sparks innovation, Hogan’s secret swing tweaks, and Nelson’s remarkable consistency inspired many. Their story, part of the American Triumvirate with Sam Snead, helped boost the PGA Tour’s popularity after the Great Depression and World War II. Nelson’s 52 wins and his early retirement at 34 to run a ranch paved the way for Hogan’s later dominance, with 64 wins and nine majors. Today, tournaments like The CJ Cup Byron Nelson celebrate their legacies, reminding golfers that rivalry can coexist with friendship, promote the sport, and emphasize resilience and mutual respect.

Arnold Palmer vs. Jack Nicklaus: The Television Age of Golf

The rivalry between Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus is often regarded as one of the greatest in golf history. It began in the late 1950s and continued through the 1970s, a period when golf was transforming from a niche pastime into a global phenomenon. Palmer, affectionately known as The King, was a charismatic figure whose aggressive playing style and accessibility made him a fan favorite. Nicklaus, dubbed The Golden Bear, was more reserved but equally talented, with a methodical approach that led to unparalleled success.

Key Moments

• Numerous head-to-head battles in major championships defined their rivalry. In the 1962 U.S. Open, Nicklaus defeated Palmer in a playoff, marking the beginning of Nicklaus’s dominance. This win was notable also because it occurred at Oakmont Country Club, just miles from Palmer’s hometown of Latrobe, PA.
• Palmer won the Masters in 1960, 1962, and 1964, while Nicklaus claimed his first Masters title in 1963. Together, they won 34 major titles, with Nicklaus ultimately surpassing Palmer with 18 majors to Palmer’s 7.

Significance

This rivalry played a key role in popularizing golf. Palmer’s charm and Nicklaus’s tenacity were highlighted through television, drawing millions of fans. So much so that their duels became must-see TV. They transformed golf into a mainstream spectacle, paving the way for the sport’s modern era.

Jack Nicklaus vs. Tom Watson: The Transition of Generations

The rivalry between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson was most intense in the late 1970s and early 1980s. By this time, Nicklaus was already a legend with multiple major wins, while Watson was emerging as a new force in golf.

Key Moments

• 1977 Masters: In the final round, Watson and Nicklaus separated themselves from the rest of the field. Nicklaus, playing in the group ahead, put pressure on Watson by tying him for the lead on the 13th hole. Watson responded on the 17th by sinking a clutch 20-foot birdie putt to regain a two-stroke lead, effectively sealing his first Masters victory.
• 1982 U.S. Open: At Pebble Beach, Nicklaus was in the clubhouse with a 69, which put him in a good position to win his record fifth U.S. Open. Watson arrived at the par-3 17th hole tied with Nicklaus. After pulling his tee shot into the rough, Watson’s caddie told him to “get it close” to the pin. Watson responded, “I’m not going to get it close; I’m going to make it!”.  Watson proceeded to chip in for a birdie. He then birdied the final hole and secured the two-stroke victory. 
• Watson went on to win five more majors, while Nicklaus added three more to his tally.

Significance

This rivalry highlighted the shift from one generation to the next and demonstrated Nicklaus’s lasting competitiveness, even as younger players like Watson challenged for dominance.

Tiger Woods vs. Phil Mickelson: The Turn of the Century

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson became the symbols of modern golf, and their rivalry captivated a new generation of fans. Woods, who turned professional in 1996, quickly established himself as a dominant force, winning multiple majors and holding the world No. 1 ranking for a record 683 weeks. Mickelson, a left-handed player with a flair for the dramatic, provided a worthy adversary. Though he never reached the same level of sustained success as Woods, he held the world No. 2 ranking for 270 weeks.

Key Moments

• Woods has won 15 majors, while Mickelson has 6. Notably, Mickelson has had several near misses, including six runner-up finishes at the U.S. Open.
• Their rivalry extended to the Ryder Cup, where they were teammates but often highlighted for their individual battles. In the 2004 Ryder Cup, they lost both matches in which they were paired, adding fuel to their competitive fire.

Major Championship Pairings

Woods and Mickelson were paired in the final round of a major championship twice: at the 2001 Masters and the 2009 Masters. In 2001, Woods led Mickelson by one stroke going into the final round and went on to win the tournament, completing the Tiger Slam. The 2009 pairing was less significant, as both players were well behind the leaders before their final-round pairing.

The 2001 Masters

• Woods entered the final round with a one-stroke lead over Mickelson. 
• Woods shot a 4-under-par 68 to win his second Masters title and sixth major overall. 
• Mickelson shot a 2-under-par 70, finishing third, three strokes behind Woods. 

The 2009 Masters 

• Woods and Mickelson were paired together in the final round but were not factors in the outcome.
• They began the final round tied for 10th place, seven strokes behind the leader. However, each had a point in the round where they were within one stroke of the lead.
• Mickelson finished in fifth place, while Woods tied for sixth behind the eventual winner Ángel Cabrera.

Significance

This rivalry was crucial in keeping fans interested in golf during Woods’s era of dominance. Mickelson’s persistence and occasional wins over Woods added excitement and drama, making golf a compelling sport for fans.

Conclusion

Golf’s greatest rivalries among men have not only provided thrilling competition but have also played a crucial role in the sport’s development and popularity. From the charismatic battles of Hagen and Jones to the popular contests of Palmer and Nicklaus, and the duels of Woods and Mickelson, these rivalries have enriched the tapestry of golf history. As new talents emerge, the spirit of competition and the drive to excel will continue to fuel the rivalries that make golf so captivating. What do you think? Will there be a consistent challenger to Scottie Scheffler? 

Keep a lookout for Part 2: Golf’s Greatest Women Rivals.