Hale Irwin after winning the 1974 U.S. Open (AP)

8. Hale Irwin

PGA Tour victories in 1970s: 11 (of 20 total)

Major titles in 1970s: two (of three)

Irwin was a multi-sport athlete and a two-time All-Big Eight defensive back for Colorado’s football team before turning his attention to professional golf. His first Tour victory came at the 1971 Sea Pines Heritage Classic, an event he would win again in 1973 for his second Tour victory.

He broke through in the majors at the brutal 1974 U.S. Open in what became known as the Massacre at Winged Foot, where he shot a 7-over 287 for a two-shot victory. Irwin added another U.S. Open title in 1979 on another extremely tough setup, this time at Inverness, earning him the reputation as a star on the toughest tracks.

He continued winning on the Tour through 1994 – his final victory came in the MCI Heritage Golf Classic, back where it all began for him at Harbour Town – before going on to win 45 times on what is now known as the PGA Tour Champions. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1992.