Are you curious to know who are some of the most famous South African golfers? From Gary Player to Ernie Els and many more, South Africa has some of the world’s most talented and successful golfers.
But who stands out among the rest? In this article, we’ll look at the top 10 most famous South African golfers of all time and find out what made them successful. So, who are the greatest South African golfers ever?
10 Most Famous South African Golfers
We are going to explore the 10 most famous South African golfers. From the legendary Gary Player to the current top stars, we’ll provide an overview of their accomplishments and why they are remembered. Let’s begin this journey into South African golfing history!
1. Gary James (1935 to -)
| Full Name | Gary James Player |
| Nick Name | Mr. Fitness, The Black Knight |
| Date of Birth | 1 November 1935 |
| Current Age | 87 Years (2022) |
| Gender | Male |
| Place of Birth | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Residence | Jupiter Island, Florida, U.S. Plettenberg Bay, South Africa |
| Profession | South African professional golf |
| Religion | Christian |
| Nationality | South African |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Children | 6 |
| Height | 1.68 m (5 ft 6 inch) |
| Weight | 68 kg (150 lb) |
| Hair Color | Not Available |
| Eye Color | Not Available |
| Net Worth | $250 million |
Winning 163 tours and 9 majors, Gary James is rightfully known to be the best Golfer in South Africa. Among the Most Famous South African Golfers, he has the highest number of tour wins and majors.
However, there is no debate about Gary James being the 1st on the list of the top golfers in South Africa. Additionally, he is still the most successful and impressive icon and inspiration for the present golfers of South Africa.
Gary James’s achievement, at a glance:
- 163 Tour Wins
- 9 Majors
- PGA Tour, European Tour, Sunshine Tour, PGA Tour of Australia, PGA Tour Champions, European Senior Tour, etc.
- PGA Championship, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, etc.
- PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012.
- Sports and Racing Excellence Award in 2009.
- Payne Stewart Award in 2006 and many more.
2. Ernie Els (1969 to -)
| Full Name | Theodore Ernest Els |
| Nick Name | Ernie, The Big Easy |
| Date of Birth | 17 October 1969 |
| Current Age | 53 Years (2022) |
| Gender | Male |
| Place of Birth | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Residence | Wentworth, England George, South Africa Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, surrey, Western Cape |
| Profession | South African professional golf |
| Religion | Non-religious |
| Nationality | South African |
| Relationship Status | married |
| Children | 2 |
| Height | 1.91 m (6 ft 3 inch) |
| Weight | 95 Kg (210 lb) |
| Hair Color | Light brown |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Net Worth | $95 Million |
Ernie Els is considered one of the most hard-working and popular golfers throughout South Africa. After entering professional golf at 20, he built a successful career with one surprise after another.
In addition, he has won 74 tour wins, 2 US Opens, and 2 Open Championships (4 Majors), which are undoubtedly a good number of achievements. However, his dedication and efforts in his career are always praiseworthy.
Ernie Els’s achievement, at a glance:
- 74 Tour Wins
- 4 Majors
- PGA Tour, European Tour, Sunshine Tour, PGA Tour of Australia, PGA Tour Champions, European Senior Tour, etc.
- PGA Championship, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, etc.
- Old Tom Morris Award (2018)
- Payne Stewart Award (2015)
- PGA Tour Rookie of The Year (1994)
3. Bobby Locke (1917 to 1987)
| Full Name | Arthur D’Arcy “Bobby” Locke |
| Nick Name | Bobby, Old Baggy Pants, Muffin Face, Lantern Jowls, Moon Face |
| Date of Birth | 20 November 1917 |
| Aged | 70 Years ( Died: 9 March 1987) |
| Gender | Male |
| Place of Birth | Germiston, Transvaal, South Africa |
| Residence | Windermere, Florida, U.S. |
| Profession | South African professional golf |
| Religion | Not Available |
| Nationality | South African |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Children | 2 |
| Height | 1.8 m (5 ft 11 inch) |
| Weight | 77 kg (170 lb) |
| Hair Color | Not Available |
| Eye Color | Not Available |
| Net Worth | $1-5 Million |
Among the 10 Most South African Golfers, Bobby Locke is one of the most familiar faces. Like Ernie Els, he has the same number of tour wins and majors.
After Gary Player, Ernie Els and Bobby Locke are the two most iconic golfers in South Africa. If you are curious about most South African golfers, you will definitely love Bobby Locke after Gary James and Ernie Els.
Bobby Locke’s achievement, at a glance:
- 74 Tour Wins
- 4 Majors
- PGA Tour, Sunshine Tour, and others
- PGA Championship, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, etc.
- World Golf Hall of Fame (1977)
- Harry Vardon Trophy (1946, 1950, 1954)
4. Retief Goosen (1969 to -)
| Full Name | Retief Goosen |
| Nick Name | The Goose, Iceman |
| Date of Birth | 3 February 1969 |
| Age | 53 Years (2022) |
| Gender | Male |
| Place of Birth | Pietersburg, South Africa |
| Residence | South Africa Virginia Water, Polokwane, England Orlando, Florida, South Africa, U.S. Glentana |
| Profession | South African professional golf |
| Religion | Not Available |
| Nationality | South African |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Children | 2 |
| Height | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 inch) |
| Weight | 84 kg (185 lb) |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Eye Color | Not Available |
| Net Worth | $5 Million |
Retief Goosen is one of the most successful and celebrated South African golfers. Along with getting the “Best Male Golfer ESPY Award,” he has achieved great success, winning multiple tournaments and becoming a fixture on the South African golf scene.
He is well known for his consistency, patience, and competitive spirit and is respected by his peers and fans. His professionalism and dedication to the sport have seen him thrive in South Africa and become popular among the country’s golfers.
Retief Goosen’s achievement, at a glance:
- 38 Tour Wins
- 2 Majors
- PGA Tour, European Tour, Sunshine Tour, PGA Tour of Australia, PGA Tour Champions, European Senior Tour, etc.
- PGA Championship, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, etc.
- World Golf Hall of Fame (2019)
- PGA Tour Champions (2019)
- European Tour Order of Merit Winner (2001, 2002)
5. Charl Schwartzel (1984 to -)
| Full Name | Charl Adriaan Schwartzel |
| Nick Name | Schwartzel |
| Date of Birth | 31 August 1984 |
| Age | 38 Years (2022) |
| Gender | Male |
| Place of Birth | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Residence | Vereeniging, Gauteng, South Africa Manchester, England Palm Beach Gardens, Florida |
| Profession | South African professional golf |
| Religion | Not Available |
| Nationality | South African |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Children | 2 |
| Height | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 inch) |
| Weight | 72 kg (159 lb) |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Net Worth | $16 million |
Currently playing at the LIV Golf Invitational Series, Charl Schwartzel is a professional South African golfer renowned for his consistent and impressive performances on the golf course.
His unique style and approach to the game made him stay on the list of the most successful South African golfers. Additionally, he is one of the most successful golfers of his generation.
Charl Schwartzel’s achievement, at a glance:
- 15 Tour Wins
- 1 Major
- PGA Tour, European Tour, Sunshine Tour, etc.
- PGA Championship, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, etc.
- Sunshine Tour (2004, 2005, 2006)
- Order of Merit Winner (2006- 2007, 2010)
6. Louis Oosthuizen (1982 to -)
| Full Name | Lodewicus Theodorus Oosthuizen |
| Nick Name | Shrek |
| Date of Birth | 19 October 1982 |
| Age | 40 Years (2022) |
| Gender | Male |
| Place of Birth | Mossel Bay, South Africa |
| Residence | Mossel Bay, South Africa Ocala, Florida, U.S. |
| Profession | South African professional golf |
| Religion | Christian |
| Nationality | South African |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Children | 3 |
| Height | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 inch) |
| Weight | 77 kg (170 lb) |
| Hair Color | Black Brown |
| Eye Color | Black Brown |
| Net Worth | $45 Million |
Louis Oosthuizen, a professional golfer from South Africa, has developed into one of the world’s most consistent and successful players. He is the winner of the 2010 Open Championship and has achieved numerous other successes throughout his career.
His consistent performance and excellent putting have made him one of the most decent golfers on the circuit. Oosthuizen has become a fan favorite due to his relaxed demeanor and friendly personality, and he continues to be a role model for aspiring golfers.
Louis Oosthuizen’s achievement, at a glance:
- 14 Tour Wins
- 1 Major
- PGA Tour, European Tour, Sunshine Tour, PGA Tour of Australia, etc.
- PGA Championship, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, etc.
4. Branden Grace (1988 to -)
| Full Name | Branden John Grace |
| Nick Name | Gracie |
| Date of Birth | 20 May 1988 |
| Age | 34 Years (2022) |
| Gender | Male |
| Place of Birth | Pretoria, South Africa |
| Residence | George, South Africa |
| Profession | South African professional golf |
| Religion | Not Available |
| Nationality | South African |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Children | 1 |
| Height | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 inch) |
| Weight | 78 kg (172 lb) |
| Hair Color | Not Available |
| Eye Color | Not Available |
| Net Worth | $8 million |
Branden Grace is one of the most successful golfers of the modern era. He has won numerous tournaments, including the 2016 Open Championship, and has been ranked as high as number 12 worldwide.
Importantly, in 2012, Branden Grace achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first player in the European Tour to win four titles in the same year, making him the fastest player in European Tour history to win four titles.
However, he is known for his consistent play and great short game, which has helped him win numerous tournaments. He is truly an inspiration for all aspiring golfers in South Africa.
Branden Grace’s achievement, at a glance:
- 14 Tour Wins
- 0 Major
- PGA Tour, European Tour, Sunshine Tour, etc.
- PGA Championship, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, etc.
- Order of Merit Winner
- Sunshine Tour (2012)
8. David Frost (1959 to -)
| Full Name | David Laurence Frost |
| Nick Name | Frosty |
| Date of Birth | 11 September 1959 |
| Age | 63 Years (2022) |
| Gender | Male |
| Place of Birth | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Residence | George, South Africa |
| Profession | South African professional golfer |
| Religion | Not Available |
| Nationality | South African |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Children | 2 |
| Height | 1.8 m (5 ft 11 inch) |
| Weight | 92 kg (203 lb) |
| Hair Color | Not Available |
| Eye Color | Not Available |
| Net Worth | $12.8 million |
David Frost is an incredibly talented South African golfer. Numerous European and PGA Tours wins have marked his successful career. Fans around the world love him for his friendly demeanor and great sportsmanship.
He is known for his trademark smile, which always seems to put his playing partners at ease. David Frost is a true ambassador for the game of golf and a great face among the most famous South African Golfers.
David Frost’s achievement, at a glance:
- 29 Tour Wins
- 0 Major
- PGA Tour, European Tour, Sunshine Tour, PGA Tour Champions, European Senior Tour, etc.
- PGA Championship, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, etc.
- Byron Nelson Award (1987)
- Order of Merit Winner
- Sunshine Tour (1998/ 1999)
9. Tim Clark (1975 to -)
| Full Name | Timothy Henry Clark |
| Nick Name | Penguin |
| Date of Birth | 17 December 1975 |
| Age | 47 Years (2022) |
| Gender | Male |
| Place of Birth | Durban, South Africa urban, South Africa |
| Residence | George, South Africa |
| Profession | South African professional golfer |
| Religion | Not Available |
| Nationality | South African |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Children | 2 |
| Height | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) |
| Weight | 75 kg (165 lb) |
| Hair Color | Light Brown |
| Eye Color | Not Available |
| Net Worth | $5 Million |
South African golfer Tim Clark is a popular professional golfer on the PGA Tour. He is renowned for his precision and accuracy in every shot he takes. He has an impressive record of wins, including a PGA Tour win in 2010.
However, Tim Clark is also well-known for his positive attitude and sportsmanship on the course. Tim Clark is a great example for young golfers and fans alike, showing that anything is possible with hard work.
Tim Clark’s achievement, at a glance:
- 12 Tour Wins
- 0 Major
- PGA Tour, European Tour, Sunshine Tour, PGA Tour of Australia, etc.
- PGA Championship, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, etc.
- Sunshine Tour Order of Merit Winner (2001-2002)
10. Trevor Immelman (1979 to -)
| Full Name | Trevor John Immelman |
| Nick Name | Trevor Immelman |
| Date of Birth | 16 December 1979 |
| Age | 42 Years (2022) |
| Gender | Male |
| Place of Birth | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Residence | George, South Africa |
| Profession | South African professional golfer |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Nationality | South African |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Children | 2 |
| Height | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 inch) |
| Weight | 77 kg (170 lb) |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Grey |
| Net Worth | $10 million |
Trevor Immelman is an awesome inspiration for all the present golfers of South Africa. He is a professional South African golfer who has had an incredible career on the PGA Tour.
He is a former Masters champion, having won the event in 2008 and a total of 11 PGA Tour events.
However, Trevor Immelman inspires many up-and-coming golfers, and his accomplishments have made him a household name in South Africa and worldwide.
And these are just some reasons why it is on the list of the most South African Golfers.
Trevor Immelman’s achievement, at a glance:
- 11 Tour Wins
- 1 Major
- PGA Tour, European Tour, Sunshine Tour, etc.
- PGA Championship, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, etc.
- Sunshine Tour Order of Merit Winner (2002-2003)
- PGA Tour Rookie of The Year (2006)
Conclusion
The South African golfing scene has certainly impacted the international stage, with some of the fascinating players in the world hailing from the country.
From Gary Player and Ernie Els to Louis Oosthuizen and Branden Grace, these players have made their fabulous place in the sport.
Also, they are a great role model for many golfers in South Africa and worldwide. So, who is the most famous South African golfer to you after reading this?
