Rory McIlroy vs. Tiger Woods: Who Is the Greatest of All Time?

Poll: Who Is the Greatest of All Time?

The debate over golf’s greatest of all time (GOAT) often narrows down to a few iconic names, with Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods standing as two of the sport’s most celebrated figures. Both have left an indelible mark on golf, but who truly deserves the GOAT title? Let’s break down their achievements and impact to find out.

Tiger Woods, now 49, redefined golf with his dominance starting in the late 1990s. He has 82 PGA Tour wins, tying Sam Snead for the all-time record, and 15 major championships, second only to Jack Nicklaus’s 18. Woods spent 683 weeks as World No. 1, including a record 281 consecutive weeks from 2005 to 2010. His 2000-2001 “Tiger Slam”—winning four consecutive majors—remains one of golf’s most untouchable feats. Beyond stats, Woods revolutionized the sport, making it more diverse and lucrative, inspiring generations with his athleticism and mental toughness. Despite injuries and personal challenges, his 2019 Masters win after an 11-year major drought cemented his legacy as a comeback king.

Rory McIlroy, at 35, is a modern golfing titan. With his 2025 Masters victory, McIlroy completed the career Grand Slam, joining Woods and four others in this elite club. He now has five majors and 29 PGA Tour wins, including two PLAYERS Championships, a feat only Woods, Nicklaus, and Scottie Scheffler have also achieved. McIlroy has spent 122 weeks as World No. 1 and recently became the second golfer to surpass $100 million in PGA Tour earnings, trailing only Woods. His consistency is remarkable—he hasn’t dropped out of the top 15 world rankings since 2009. McIlroy’s 2025 Masters win, overcoming an 11-year major drought and past Augusta struggles, showcased his resilience.

Statistically, Woods leads by a wide margin. His 82 wins dwarf McIlroy’s 29, and his 15 majors triple McIlroy’s five. Woods’ peak, especially from 1999 to 2003 when he won 32 tournaments, set a standard McIlroy has yet to approach. However, McIlroy’s career is far from over. At 35, he has time to close the gap, and his recent major win suggests he’s hitting another peak. Some argue McIlroy’s off-the-tee prowess, averaging 0.96 Strokes Gained since 2014, gives him an edge in the modern game, but Woods’ all-around brilliance—particularly his clutch putting and short game—remains unmatched.

Woods’ cultural impact also sets him apart. He made golf “cool,” bringing in new fans and players, while McIlroy, though influential, benefits from the platform Woods built. Still, McIlroy’s likability and humanizing presence make him a fan favorite, and his advocacy for the game’s future through ventures like TGL (co-founded with Woods) shows his commitment to golf’s growth.

So, who’s the GOAT? Right now, Tiger Woods holds the title with his unparalleled record and transformative influence. But McIlroy, still in his prime, could challenge that legacy in the years ahead. What do you think? Cast your vote below!

Poll: Who Is the Greatest of All Time?

• Rory McIlroy
• Tiger Woods