The 50 Greatest European Male Golfers

50. David Howell

England | June 23, 1975 | TP 1995

The Swindon man famously held off Tiger Woods to win the HSBC Champions in 2005 – one of his five European Tour victories – and was part of the victorious European Ryder Cup teams in both 2004 and 2006. Has played in 27 majors with a best finish of T7 in the 2008 Open at Royal Birkdale.

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49. Manuel Pinero

Spain | September 1, 1952 | TP 1968

A winner of nine European Tour titles, the Spaniard played on two Ryder Cup teams and featured in the top ten on the European Tour Order of Merit on five occasions. Interestingly, he was also with Bing Crosby when the great American crooner died. Seriously.

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48. Paul Broadhurst

England | August 14, 1965 | TP 1988

The Walsall man famously trounced Mark O’Meara 3&1 in the 1991 Ryder Cup singles, winning both of his matches in the contest that year. A winner of six tournaments on the European Tour, Broadhurst also holds the Open record for the best round (−9) in relation to par, set in 1990 and equalled by Rory McIlroy in 2010.

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47. Tommy Horton

England | June 16, 1941 | TP 1957

A winner of four European Tour titles, Horton did most of his damage on the senior circuit, where he chalked up a remarkable 23 victories. The Jersey-based pro also made two Ryder Cup appearances – in 1975 and again in 1977 – and played in 24 major championships.

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46. Eamonn Darcy

Ireland | August 7, 1952 | TP 1968

The Irishman won four times on the European Tour and made the same number of appearances in the Ryder Cup. His finest hour came in the 1987 match at Muirfield Village. His final hole victory over Ben Crenshaw in the singles secured Europe’s 13th point in what proved to be a historic win. It was also Darcy’s only full point in 11 Ryder Cup appearances.

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45. Costantino Rocca

Italy | December 4, 1956 | TP 1981

The Bergamo-born Italian won five times on the European Tour between 1993 and 1999, including the Volvo PGA Championship in 1996. Lost to John Daly in a playoff for The Open in 1995 and defeated Tiger Woods in their singles clash in the 1997 Ryder Cup. In the 1995 match, incidentally, he achieved only the third hole-in-one in Ryder Cup history.

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44. Des Smyth

Ireland | February 12, 1953 | TP 1974

The Irishman is the only player ever to win titles on the European Tour across four different decades. Between 2001 and 2012, the two-time Ryder Cup player also held the record for the oldest man to win a European Tour event. Interestingly, his son, Greg, made history of his own in 2008 when he won the Irish lottery, banking close to €10million.

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43. Peter Oosterhuis

England | May 3, 1948 | TP 1968

Gained widespread acclaim later in his career as a broadcaster but it shouldn’t be forgotten how impressive a playing career the Englishman had. Won ten times on the European Tour between 1969 and 1974, claiming the Order of Merit four years on the trot. Also won once on the PGA Tour and finished second twice in The Open, in 1974 and 1982.

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42. Mark James

England | October 28, 1953 | TP 1976

The Manchester-born pro won 18 times on the European Tour between 1978 and 1997 and had four top-five finishes in The Open. He also played on seven Ryder Cup teams and was the captain of the side in 1999 before embarking on a successful broadcasting career as part of the BBC’s commentary team.

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41. Bernard Hunt

England | February 2, 1930 | TP 1946

Warwickshire man Hunt turned professional in 1946 and topped the European Order of Merit on three occasions. During a prolific career, he racked up 31 victories and represented Great Britain in the Ryder Cup eight times between 1953 and 1969. Sadly passed away in June 2013.