Ah, Golf rivalries! There’s always an extra ounce of passion, emotion and competitiveness when we talk about some of the greatest Golf rivalries. The best tournaments, the best legacies, the best atmosphere- that’s what make rivalries timeless and treasured.

 

Here's our pick for the top on-course fiercest rivalries that we’ve witnessed in the history of Golf.

 

Phil Mickelson vs Tiger Woods 

 

 

The rivalry between these two greatest Golf legends will be cherished forever in the history of Golf. Both dominated the leader board in their times and brought out the best out in each other.

 

Tiger Woods dominated the golfing landscape from 1997 till 2014 and clinched 14 grand slam tournaments.  Interestingly, despite winning 5 PGA tournaments and 9 majors, Mickelson never managed to become the numero uno player. He was always number 2. It would not be out of place to say that Tiger Woods has always overshadowed golfing prowess.

 

 

Rory McIlroy vs Jordan Spieth

 

 

This is probably the next generation of Woods versus Mickelson or Nicklaus versus Palmer rivalry. Recently, McIlroy ramped up his rivalry with Jordan Spieth by confessing that that he was quite desperate to win the final major of the year in order to stop the newly-crowned Open champion completing a career Grand Slam before him. 

 

According to media reports, he had said, “Jordan's riding on the crest of a wave at the minute and he'll go into Quail Hollow with a lot of confidence. But I've done well around there too and had some good results in the PGA Championship so I'd love to make him wait an extra year.” However, the Quail Hollow Championship was won by Jordan Spieth’s best friend Justin Thomas.

 

 

Jack Nicklaus versus Arnold Palmer

 

 

The rivalry between the Golf legends, spanning over half a century on and off the Golf course, was one of the fiercest in the sports landscape with Nicklaus winning 18 Majors and Palmer seven.

 

Former American professional Jack Nicklaus, also nicknamed as the Golden Bear, announced his arrival in the Golfing circuit when he defeated Golf legend Arnold Palmer to grab the inaugural Westchester Classic title in 1967. Though they were great rivals on the greens, they shared a great camaraderie off the course.

 

 

Greg Norman versus Nick Faldo

 

 

The list of the greatest Golf rivalries won’t be complete without these two Golf legends Greg Norman and Nick Faldo. Both were amazing players who showed class and grit in their games.  Norman spent 331 weeks in the top spot of the World Golf Rankings, Faldo 97.