The gap between the very highest level of elite amateur golfers and those in the paid ranks has reduced in recent years with youngsters increasingly making a fast transition from college golf programmes to the main professional tours. But the instances of amateur players winning events on either the PGA or DP World Tours remain rare. Only a very few of the most talented amateur golfers have the self-belief and confidence to stand up against a field of established professional players and show them a clean pair of heels.
In the early years of major golf, amateur players enjoyed a good deal of success with one man standing out. Bobby Jones won seven major titles in just a seven-year stretch. Between 1923 and 1930, Jones won four US Open titles and three Open Championships.
He wasn’t the first man to win a major as an amateur though. That honour goes to John Ball who won the 1890 Open Championship at Prestwick. Another Royal Liverpool man, and the first editor Golf Monthly, Harold Hilton, was a two-time Open Champion, at Muirfield in 1892 and then at his home club in 1897.
Francis Ouimet won the US Open as a 21-year-old at Brookline, famously beating Harry Vardon and Ted Ray in a playoff. Jerome Travers, Chick Evans and Johnny Goodman also won the US Open as amateurs.
No amateur has won a major since Goodman in 1933 but unpaid golfers have enjoyed victories on the main professional circuits. Since 1945, 11 players have won events on either the PGA Tour or DP World Tour as amateurs. Here below is a chance for you to see if you can name them. There are some clues to help you out. See how you get on…
If you enjoyed this quiz, try one of the others below:
Name every player to win a men's Major with a z in their name...
Name every major winner of this century...
-
I Need These Golf Shoes - FootJoy Unveils Legends Series With Stunning 'Spring Bloom' ShoesFootJoy continues to raise the bar when it comes to special edition golf shoes...
-
Garmin Approach S44 Golf Watch ReviewHow does the latest installment in Garmin's golf smartwatch range perform both on and off the golf course?
-
Quiz! 10 Questions Every Golfer Should Know The Answer ToThere are some things every self-respecting golfer might be expected to know. Do you know the answers to all these questions?
-
Quiz! How Well Do You Know Arnold Palmer?He was the first golfing superstar of the television age, but how well do you know his career?
-
Quiz! Can You Guess Which European Countries Have The Most Golfers?Golf is increasing in popularity across this continent, but do you know which countries in Europe have the most golfers?
-
Quiz! How Well Do You Know Old Tom Morris, The 'Father Of Golf'?He was one of the most influential men in defining golf as we now play it, but how well do you know his career?
-
Quiz! Can You Name Which European Countries Have The Most Golf Courses?Do you know which 10 countries in Europe have the most golf courses?
-
Quiz! Can You Name Every Golfer To Break 60 On the PGA Tour?A sub-60 round was first made on the PGA Tour in 1977, and there have been 13 more instances since – can you name them all?
-
Quiz! How Well Do You Know Rory McIlroy?The man from Northern Ireland has had lots written about him, but how well do you know his career?
-
Quiz! Name All Tiger Woods' 15 Major WinsHe has won 15 Majors. Can you name them all?
