Golf's greatest nicknames
Quadzilla, Kurt Kitayama: Blending the name of the reptilian movie monster with the term for a group of thigh muscles, "Quadzilla" was the nickname gifted to Kurt Kitayama by fellow pro Xander Schauffele when the duo were coming up together on the Korn Ferry Tour. At college, Kitayama was nicknamed "The Project" due to his fabled work ethic and perseverance, and the American's efforts paid off with his first PGA Tour victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March 2023.
Golf's greatest nicknames
Shrek, Louis Oosthuizen: Some might not be keen on being compared to a swamp-dwelling ogre, but Louis Oosthuizen leaned into it, club headcovers and all. "It's the gap in my teeth," the South African told reporters when asked about the nickname in 2010. "My friends say I look like Shrek ... You can't choose your friends, so what can I say?"
Golf's greatest nicknames
The Great White Shark, Greg Norman: Native to Australia and lethal, Greg Norman and great white sharks had a lot in common, though one was keen to avoid the water. The two-time Open champion founded a company -- Great White Shark Enterprises -- hosted a PGA Tour team event -- the Shark Shootout -- and titled his autobiography -- "The Way of the Shark" -- based on his affiliation with the predatory fish.
Golf's greatest nicknames
Big Mama, JoAnne Carner: "Big Mama" is a fitting nickname for one of the most important figures in women's golf history. Two US Women's Open wins in the 1970s were the highlight of JoAnne Carner's sparkling 35-year-long journey on the LPGA Tour. Aged 65, in 2004 she became the oldest player to make the cut at an LPGA event, before shooting her age to card an 83 in the first round of the US Senior Women's Open in 2022.
Golf's greatest nicknames
The Walrus, Craig Stadler: There are four walruses in this photo -- two on the fairway and two in the bag. A much-loved presence on the fairways, Craig Stadler (center) earned his affectionate nickname through his burly build and plump mustache. When the 1982 Masters champion's son, Kevin (left), followed in his father's footsteps by going pro, "The Smallrus" title was ready and waiting. In 2014, they became the first ever father-son duo to compete together at The Masters.
Golf's greatest nicknames
Golf's greatest nicknames
Golf's greatest nicknames
Aquaman, Woody Austin: Years before Jason Momoa took on the role, Woody Austin was "Aquaman." The American dove headfirst into the superhero nickname after a fateful fall into the water while attempting to hit a shot at the Presidents Cup in 2007.
Golf's greatest nicknames
Aquaman, Woody Austin: It led to one of the most unconventional wardrobe choices ever seen on the fairways when, two days later during his singles match up against Argentina's Ángel Cabrera, Austin strolled the 14th hole fairway of Quebec's Royal Montreal Golf Club in scuba goggles.
Golf's greatest nicknames
The Towering Inferno, Tom Weiskopf: You can't have a nickname like "The Towering Inferno" and not live up to it -- and Tom Weiskopf did so emphatically. The American's 6-feet 3-inch (1.91 meter) frame anchored a devastating swing, his raw power occasionally manifesting in fiery outbursts on the fairways. An Open Championship triumph in 1973 headlined a hugely successful playing career before Weiskopf moved into golf course design.
Golf's greatest nicknames
The Pink Panther, Paula Creamer: Proficient in putting with a penchant for pink, "The Pink Panther" was the perfect nickname for Paula Creamer. Even the American's golf bag, balls, and club grips eventually followed her color scheme, making the 2010 US Women's Open champion an unmistakable sight on the fairways.
Golf's greatest nicknames
Spider-Man, Camilo Villegas: With great putting comes great responsibility; Colombian golfer Camilo Villegas' unorthodox style of reading putts quickly led to comparisons with New York City's web-slinging superhero.
Golf's greatest nicknames
Golf's greatest nicknames
Golf's greatest nicknames
Golf's greatest nicknames