Any list of all-time greats should include Walter Hagen. Any list of most influential golfers includes him, maybe at the top.
He won 11 majors and only competed in Masters a few times after his prime. He won all of the big events at the time, many of which were considered majors, before that was a term.
He popularized golf more than any other player. And he legitimized professional golf.
Nicklaus, Woods, Hagen and Hogan. That's your Mount Rushmore.
Rory is in a big group of people in next level. Mickelson, Faldo, Trevino, Palmer, etc. Rory will probably get a few more and move up the list. He also been good in Ryder Cup. But I can't imagine him surpassing any of the big names.
He won 11 majors and only competed in Masters a few times after his prime. He won all of the big events at the time, many of which were considered majors, before that was a term.
He popularized golf more than any other player. And he legitimized professional golf.
Nicklaus, Woods, Hagen and Hogan. That's your Mount Rushmore.
Rory is in a big group of people in next level. Mickelson, Faldo, Trevino, Palmer, etc. Rory will probably get a few more and move up the list. He also been good in Ryder Cup. But I can't imagine him surpassing any of the big names.