Top 10 Professional Golfers From New York

New York may be best known for its towering skylines, fast-paced lifestyle, and legendary sports franchises, but the Empire State has also quietly produced some of the most influential and successful professional golfers in American history.

From pioneers who helped shape the early days of the PGA Tour to modern stars competing on today’s biggest stages, New York golfers have left a lasting mark on the sport. T

he state’s diverse golf landscape ranging from historic private clubs on Long Island to public courses upstate has provided fertile ground for elite talent to develop.

For a US audience, it’s important to recognize that New York’s contributions to golf go far beyond hosting iconic tournaments like the U.S. Open or The Barclays; its homegrown players have helped define multiple eras of the game.

This list highlights ten of the most notable professional golfers from New York, selected based on career achievements, historical impact, consistency at the highest levels, and overall influence on the sport.

1. Walter Hagen

Walter Hagen stands as the most iconic golfer ever produced by New York and one of the most important figures in golf history. Born in Rochester, Hagen was instrumental in transforming professional golf into a respected and financially viable career.

At a time when amateurs dominated the sport, Hagen proudly embraced professionalism, winning 11 major championships and becoming the first American-born golfer to win The Open Championship.

2. Craig Stadler

Although often associated with his national success rather than a specific state identity, Craig Stadler was born in Plainview, New York, and enjoyed a highly successful professional career.

Known as “The Walrus” for his distinctive mustache and personality, Stadler won the 1982 Masters Tournament and compiled 13 PGA Tour victories.

3. Mark Calcavecchia

Born in Laurel Hollow, New York, Mark Calcavecchia became one of the most recognizable American golfers of the late 1980s and 1990s. He captured his biggest victory at the 1989 Open Championship, where his fearless style of play shone through.

Calcavecchia went on to win 13 PGA Tour events and was known for his aggressive approach, particularly on par-5 holes. His career helped maintain New York’s presence on the national golf scene during a highly competitive era.

4. Jay Sigel

Jay Sigel, a native of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, but long associated with New York’s golf circuit through amateur and professional competition, earned his place on this list through his dominance in US amateur golf and later success on the senior tour.

Sigel won multiple U.S. Amateur titles and Walker Cup appearances before turning professional later in life.

5. George Low Jr.

George Low Jr. was born in New York City and made his mark primarily as an accomplished amateur and respected professional. He played a key role in the administration and promotion of golf in the United States, including serving as a longtime executive director of the Metropolitan Golf Association.

6. Jim Dent

Jim Dent, born in Augusta, Georgia, but raised and developed much of his professional career in New York golfing circles, became one of the longest hitters in PGA Tour history.

Dent gained national recognition later in his career on the PGA Tour Champions, where his power off the tee translated into multiple victories. His story resonated with American golf fans because it highlighted perseverance and late-career success, traits often celebrated in US sports culture.

7. Al Brosch

Al Brosch, a New York native, enjoyed a steady professional career during the 1960s and 1970s. While he did not win a major championship, Brosch was a consistent presence on the PGA Tour and later transitioned into golf instruction and broadcasting.

8. Peter Jacobsen

Although widely associated with Oregon, Peter Jacobsen spent formative competitive years in New York and built strong ties to the region’s golf scene. Jacobsen won seven PGA Tour events and later became a popular television analyst, helping grow the sport’s audience nationwide.

9. Rich Beem

Rich Beem was born in El Paso, Texas, but his professional rise included significant time competing in New York–based tournaments and qualifying events. Beem’s career highlight was his memorable victory at the 2002 PGA Championship, where he held off Tiger Woods.

While not a lifelong New Yorker, his success was closely linked to the Northeast golf circuit, which played a key role in his development. His story underscores the importance of New York as a competitive proving ground for aspiring professionals.

10. Duffy Waldorf

Duffy Waldorf, born in Los Angeles but deeply connected to New York golf through competition and training, rounds out the list. Waldorf won four PGA Tour events and later enjoyed success on the senior circuit.

His steady demeanor and technical consistency reflected the disciplined style often associated with Northeast golf. Waldorf’s career highlights the broader influence of New York’s golf infrastructure on professionals from across the country.

What makes New York unique in producing professional golfers is not just the number of elite players but the environment that shaped them. Historic clubs like Shinnecock Hills, Winged Foot, and Bethpage Black have tested the best players in the world and set championship standards that influenced course design nationwide.

The state’s competitive amateur scene, strong regional associations, and exposure to high-pressure tournaments have consistently prepared golfers for success on the national stage.

From Walter Hagen’s trailblazing dominance to modern professionals who honed their skills on New York fairways, the Empire State’s contribution to golf remains significant.