Florida has long been a powerhouse for producing world-class golfers, from small towns to prestigious universities. Its sunny climate, competitive junior circuits, and strong collegiate programs at Florida State University and the University of Florida have nurtured talent that thrives on both national and international stages.
The “Top 10 Golfers From Florida” showcase a remarkable mix of power, precision, creativity, and resilience. From Brooks Koepka’s major championship dominance to Bubba Watson’s unorthodox brilliance, these athletes highlight the state’s ability to cultivate champions who leave a lasting mark on professional golf.
1. Brooks Koepka: A Chronological Journey
Brooks Koepka was born and raised in West Palm Beach, Florida, where he first discovered his love for golf through local junior competitions. He continued his development at Florida State University, where his power and focus on major championship performance became evident.
Turning professional in 2012, Koepka steadily climbed the ranks, achieving his first major victories in the mid-2010s. With five major titles, including multiple U.S. Opens and PGA Championships, his dominance on the biggest stages has earned him recognition as one of Florida’s greatest golfers. His career exemplifies the path from local talent to global superstar.
Brooks Koepka2. David Duval: Narrative Storytelling
Growing up in Jacksonville, Florida, David Duval seemed destined for golf greatness. With his trademark black sunglasses and a powerful, fluid swing, he stormed through the PGA Tour in the late 1990s. By 1999, he reached the number one ranking in the world, thrilling fans with his precise ball striking and confident demeanor.
The pinnacle of his career came in 2001 when he captured the Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes, a crowning achievement that marked the peak of his meteoric rise. Though injuries later disrupted his career, Duval’s story remains a testament to talent and determination.
David Duval3. Bubba Watson: Descriptive Profile
Bubba Watson hails from Bagdad, a small rural community in Florida’s Panhandle, and has become synonymous with creativity in golf. A left-handed player who never took formal lessons, Watson relies on instinct and feel rather than conventional training. His remarkable shot-shaping ability and driving distance have brought him two Masters Tournament victories, making him one of the most unconventional champions in modern golf.
Bubba’s playful personality and innovative approach to the game contrast with the precision-focused training typical of top golfers, showing that natural talent and imagination can flourish anywhere, even far from Florida’s elite country clubs.
Bubba Watson4. Hubert Green: Reflective and Analytical Style
Hubert Green’s career offers insight into resilience under pressure. Although he was born in Alabama, his time at Florida State University connected him deeply to Florida golf. Green’s smooth putting and competitive mindset allowed him to win 19 PGA Tour events, including the 1977 U.S. Open, famously overcoming a death threat to secure victory, and the 1985 PGA Championship.
His ability to maintain performance across decades, later excelling on the Champions Tour, demonstrates how mental toughness and adaptability can shape a golfer’s legacy. Green embodies the principle that preparation and focus are as critical as talent.
Hubert Green5. Mark Calcavecchia: Anecdotal Approach
Mark Calcavecchia’s career is defined by moments of drama and intensity. At the 1989 Open Championship in Scotland, he faced a grueling playoff against Greg Norman and Wayne Grady, ultimately emerging victorious and earning his first major title.
A University of Florida alum, Calcavecchia combined power with energy, building a reputation as both a fierce competitor and a charismatic presence on the PGA Tour. Beyond the majors, he accumulated 13 victories and competed in multiple Ryder Cups, consistently demonstrating resilience and skill. His story reminds fans that golf can be as thrilling as it is challenging.
Mark Calcavecchia6. Jeff Sluman: Character-Focused Style
Jeff Sluman was never the longest hitter, but his strategic intelligence made him a formidable competitor. A Florida State University alumnus, Sluman earned the ultimate career highlight in 1988 when he won the PGA Championship at Oak Tree Country Club.
His methodical, cerebral approach to the game allowed him to adapt and remain competitive over decades, later enjoying success on the PGA Tour Champions. Known for his professionalism and calm demeanor, Sluman exemplifies how consistent thinking, patience, and technical precision can sustain a long and respected career in golf.
Jeff Sluman7. Paul Azinger: Overcoming Adversity Narrative
Paul Azinger’s story is one of determination and triumph. Graduating from Florida State University, he quickly became known for his intensity and competitive edge. In 1993, he captured the PGA Championship after a thrilling sudden-death playoff against Greg Norman.
Shortly after this career highlight, Azinger faced a life-threatening cancer diagnosis, which he overcame to return to professional golf. His later achievements as a Ryder Cup captain in 2008, where his innovative strategies led the U.S. team to victory, highlight his resilience and leadership. Azinger proves that true greatness extends beyond talent to character and courage.
Paul Azinger8. Andy Bean: Comparative Structure
Andy Bean stands among the most consistent golfers to emerge from the University of Florida. Unlike flamboyant contemporaries, his game was defined by steadiness and reliability, allowing him to capture 11 PGA Tour titles.
While he never claimed a major championship, he came close three times, finishing runner-up at the Open Championship, the U.S. Open, and the PGA Championship. Bean’s consistency contrasts with more mercurial players who relied on flashes of brilliance, highlighting how long-term stability and strategic thinking can establish a golfer’s reputation and impact.
Andy Bean9. Frank Beard: Historical Context
Frank Beard represents an earlier generation of Florida golfers who helped build the state’s reputation for excellence. A University of Florida graduate, Beard dominated the PGA Tour during the 1960s and 1970s, topping the money list in 1969 and accumulating 11 victories.
He competed successfully against legends like Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, demonstrating strategic skill and consistent performance. Beard’s career set the foundation for later generations of Florida golfers, proving that strong fundamentals, work ethic, and smart play could lead to success at the highest professional levels.
Frank Beard10. Billy Horschel: Present-Day Focused Narrative
Billy Horschel, born in Grant, Florida, exemplifies the modern generation of Florida golf talent. A University of Florida standout, he transitioned seamlessly into professional golf, winning eight PGA Tour events.
His career-defining achievement came in 2014 when he captured the FedEx Cup, demonstrating endurance, focus, and clutch performance across an entire season. Known for his energetic personality and sometimes bold fashion on the course, Horschel continues to compete at the top level, bridging the legacy of Florida’s great golfers with the promise of contemporary excellence.
Billy HorschelThe careers of Florida’s top golfers reflect a unique blend of talent, determination, and innovation. From historic pioneers like Frank Beard to modern stars like Billy Horschel, each player illustrates how Florida fosters skill, discipline, and mental toughness.
Whether through major championship victories, Ryder Cup leadership, or creative shot-making, these golfers have shaped the sport while inspiring future generations. Florida’s contributions to golf are both enduring and evolving, proving that the state continues to be a breeding ground for exceptional athletes who excel at the highest level of the game.
