The Greatest Professional Golfers from New England

Here’s an in-depth look at the greatest professional golfers hailing from New England, spanning multiple eras and both the men’s and women’s tours, celebrating the region’s rich contributions to the sport.

Pat Bradley (Massachusetts)

Born in Westford, MA (1951), Pat Bradley turned professional in 1974 and became one of the most dominant female golfers of her era. Her career highlights:

• 31 LPGA Tour wins, including six majors, completing the rare LPGA career Grand Slam

• Named LPGA Player of the Year in both 1986 and 1991

• Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1991

• Known as one of the tour's best putters and mental managers

Brad Faxon (Rhode Island)

Though born in New Jersey, Faxon grew up in Barrington, Rhode Island, where he nurtured his game before turning pro in 1983. Achievements include:

• 8 PGA Tour victories

• 21 professional wins including Champions Tour titles

• Renowned for charity work in RI and MA via Billy Andrade/Brad Faxon Charities for Children

• Long-time contributor to tournament coverage as an analyst

Dana Quigley (Massachusetts)

A late-blooming star born in Lynnfield, MA (1947), Quigley turned pro in 1971. Known as a club pro turned Champions Tour legend, his key achievements include:

• 11 Champions Tour wins and topping the 2005 money list, earning Player of the Year honors

• 32 total professional victories, with a best PGA Tour finish of T6

• Exemplified persistence: prospered later in life to dominate senior events

Tim Petrovic (Massachusetts)

From Northampton, MA (born 1966), Petrovic turned pro in 1988 He’s a steady performer with:

• 1 PGA Tour win

• 5 total professional wins, including senior tour success

• Runner-up in four senior majors, showcasing enduring competitiveness

James Driscoll (Massachusetts)

Boston-born in 1977, Driscoll progressed from amateur glory—winning the MA Junior and State Amateur titles—to the PGA and Korn Ferry Tours. His career includes:

• 2 Korn Ferry Tour wins and an additional pro victory

• Though less celebrated, he reflects New England’s strong developmental programs via collegiate and junior circuits

Richy Werenski & Megan Khang (Massachusetts – Emerging Talent)

Both Massachusetts natives, Werenski (PGA Tour) and Khang (LPGA Tour) have rapidly ascended. While still building their careers, they represent the next generation of New England golf excellence.

🏆 Keegan Bradley (Vermont/Massachusetts)

Born in Woodstock, Vermont (1986), Bradley grew up partly in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. He burst onto the PGA Tour in 2011, winning the PGA Championship in a playoff in his major debut—the first to do so since Francis Ouimet in 1913. A seven-time PGA Tour winner, his recent highlights include:

• Zozo Championship (2022)

• Travelers Championship (2023), where he set the tournament scoring record at −23

• BMW Championship (2024), marking a second title at that event

In July 2024, Bradley was appointed captain of U.S. Ryder Cup team—cementing his legacy as one of New England's most accomplished golfers.

Historical Standouts & New England PGA Legends

New England has a storied PGA Section, honoring professionals like Dana Quigley and Jim Salinetti, along with Hall of Fame inductees including Dana Quigley, Paul Harney, and various local teaching pros. These figures greatly impacted golf culture, instruction, and regional tournaments.

• Paul Harney had six PGA Tour victories in the late 1950s/early 60s .

• NEPGA continues nurturing talent via junior tournaments and highly competitive professional events.

Why New England Produces Top Golfers

1. Strong amateur foundation – junior and college programs in Massachusetts and New England foster early talent.

2. Course diversity – from Cape links to mountain tracks, varied layouts help develop adaptability.

3. Community & mentorship – NEPGA’s supportive network and pro instructors enhance competitive progression.

4. Mental resilience – enduring harsh weather conditions breeds mental toughness on tour.

This environment has yielded champions like Bradley, Faxon, Quigley—and inspires current stars and rising talent.

In Summary

Why It Matters

New England’s golfing legacy—from grassroots to global arenas—reflects a blend of tradition, resilience, and success. With major champions, LPGA legends, and Champions Tour stars among its ranks, the region demonstrates how challenging weather, tight-knit communities, and structured development programs yield elite competitors.

The future is bright with Werenski, Khang, and others moving up. Their rise underscores a thriving ecosystem that continues to produce world-class golfers.

New England’s golfers—past, present, and future—showcase the power of local support, diverse golf environments, and sheer determination. As each generation steps onto the tee, they carry forward a legacy built on tees and fairways of the Northeast.