Who has had the greatest Impact on golf?

Who has had the greatest impact on the game? I’m not talking about whom is the greatest, I’m asking who has or has had the most influence, made the biggest impact, had more to do with how the game is played or viewed? I tried to come up with someone other than Tiger but the only other person that comes to my mind is Booby Jones and his early instructional movies along with the Masters. But given Tigers mass international appeal and his influence on prize money I can’t think of anyone else that has had a bigger impact. Thoughts?

...also....who can spell Nicklaus correctly?

...damn...I am a booby...sorry Mr. Jones!!!!!

I think Arnold Palmer belongs on that list. Golf popularity didn't start its growth as a sport for the middle class until the post WWII economic growth of the 50s and early 60s, led by Arnold Palmer at the dawn of the TV age. If TV had existed in the Jones era then his impact might have been comparable.

I agree...Mr. Palmer's personality, play, and good looks really made TV viable in golf and vice versa. Without TV, the growth and popularity of golf would not be where it is today (even with its warts). Mr. Palmer was the perfect steward of the sport when TV came into golf. If Nicklaus came in at the same time as Palmer (even though talent wise he was better), I don't think he would have propelled golf in TV as much as Palmer. PLUS...what would I do without the Golf Channel? Palmer was instrumental in the takeoff of this network, too.

Arnold Palmer, easily.

Arnold Palmer hands down. Add him to the poll.

I see allin, AMGFan, lamebums & Ogg beat me to it.
IMO, it was The King.

I tried to edit the poll listings but cannot. Anyone know how? I thought about Arnold, and while I agree that during the late 50's and 60's he was a charasmatic figure, I didn't think he had as much of an impact as Jack did. Maybe his impact was more so during the 80's and 90's with regards to his business dealings.

Arnold Palmer for sure. He was probably the best ambassador for golf we've ever seen. Golf popularity in the U.S. boomed during Palmer's reign as the best in game. Golf became everyman's sport, not just a sport for the rich.

I think Bobby Jones is 2nd in importance. All the rest after Palmer are kind of media creations in our age of media glitz and hype. Not taking anything away from Jack, he was the first player to dominate the game for a long stretch of time and up until Tiger's arrival was considered by pretty much everyone as the best player ever. Or Tiger either as he's probably going to end up being thought of as the best player ever at any time.

Bobby Jones played golf at a time when most americans either knew nothing of the game or thought of it entirely as a rich man's amusement (which it mostly was). But he was the first real national golf hero our country ever had, that the "common folks" rallied around and that got national media attention. Many people these days don't realize he was given ticker tape parades in NYC when he won the British and U.S. Opens. He was the first big-time golf star to bring golf to the attention of the general public in the U.S.

TIGER WOODS

For my generation it is Tiger. I did not get to see any of the others play but for me it is Tiger.

Look at what he has brought to the game. Golf is now COOL! We are no longer embrassed to say we play golf as Tiger has lifted the old and grey sterotype that was surrounding the sport for the years previously. He has caused an increase in the amount playing and watching which has meant that golf has a lot more money and technology in it these days.

Also Tiger now has his own clothing line than you will see most wearing or at least a nike polo shirt. He also has his own foundation and has had a hand in the design of nearly all nike clubs to date.

The man is a (money) machine and I am greatful to him. (wouldn't be on this forum right now if it wasn't for him)

Natalie Gulbis for her sexy poses on calendar. That's big impact, yo!

But among those three guys on the poll list, I'd say Bobby Jones just because he invented the Masters - a tradition.

I think you missed the point. The impact on golf is not just the golfers impact on you personally. Except for a modest impact on minorities there is little evidence that Tiger has brought any more people into the game than past heroes. Probably the popularity of young stars on the LPGA bringing more women to the game exceeds Tigers numbers. I don't believe you can credit Tiger for changes in Technology, he just takes advantage of devlopments like most golfers. As far as club, clothing, course development etc., these things were all pioneered previously. Nicklaus and especially Hogan have been very involved in the equipment industry. Certainly Palmer and Nicklaus have had a greater impact on course development and somewhat design. Since Tiger still has 7-15 years left he may well have more impact by the time his career is complete, but I just don't see it at this time.

I would strongly disagree with this statement. I would argue that TV ratings, worldwide recognition, and a renewal in golf popularity is directly related to Tiger Woods and his accomplishments.

With all due respect. Are you kidding? TIGER! He took a sport, considered by many to be "an old mans sport" or a game you play when you retire, and created an international phenomenon. Love him or hate him he put the sport on the map. My sons eyes light up in a way mine used to when seeing Dan Marino or Cal Ripken when i was kid. I never spoke about golf. At my sons golf clinics, EVERY kid talks about Tiger. Every PARENT talks about Tiger. Not to say Nicklaus, Palmer, Hogan and others werent instrumental. But the kind of impact Tiger has made to the game? not even close. Who would have thought so many inner city kids would be playing this game?
On a side note I am a HUGE Nicklaus fan. But you have to give credit where credit is due. He might not be the "best" but he IS the most inlfuential.
Just my 2 cents.