Who Is the Most Underrated Player on the PGA Tour? The Pros Told Us

When Sports Illustrated surveyed several players this summer, a couple names rose to the top around the question of most underrated.
Daniel Berger has returned from injury to the PGA Tour and is held in high regard by peers.
Daniel Berger has returned from injury to the PGA Tour and is held in high regard by peers. / Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Earlier this summer Sports Illustrated surveyed a number of PGA Tour players about a range of topics, from swings they envy to wild autograph requests to favorite tournament courses and much more. Look for answers to all of these subjects in the days ahead. We think you’ll enjoy.

Previous topics: Strangest autograph requests | What they'd do if not playing | Favorite golf memorabilia | Most enviable swing

Today’s question:

Who Is the Most Underrated Player on Tour?

“It used to be Xander [Schauffele], but not anymore.” — Jordan Spieth

“I think Daniel Berger is a world-class player.” — Charley Hoffman

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“Daniel Berger.” — Webb Simpson

“Rickie Fowler.” — Matt Kuchar

“Patrick Rodgers.” — Aaron Baddeley

“Maverick McNealy.” — Ryan Palmer

Maverick McNealy walks up the fairway on the 18th hole during the third round of the 2025 BMW Championship.
Maverick McNealy has won once on the PGA Tour and is a popular "most underrated" choice. / Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images

“Maverick McNealy.” — Zach Johnson

“Maverick McNealy.” — Davis Riley

“Adam Hadwin.” — Taylor Pendrith

“I played a lot of golf with Harris English, he is really good.” — Davis Love III

“Denny McCarthy.” — Brice Garnett

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John Schwarb
JOHN SCHWARB

John Schwarb is a senior editor for Sports Illustrated covering golf. Prior to joining SI in March 2022, he worked for ESPN.com, PGATour.com, Tampa Bay Times and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He is the author of The Little 500: The Story of the World's Greatest College Weekend. A member of the Golf Writers Association of America, Schwarb has a bachelor's in journalism from Indiana University.

Art Stricklin
ART STRICKLIN

Art Stricklin is an award-winning golf writer based in Dallas and the president of the Texas Golf Writers Association. He spent more than a decade working for Texas newspapers. Stricklin is the author of 10 books, including, “Thanks for the Memories,” on the history of Northwood Club in Dallas, and “Links, Lore & Legends: The Story of Texas Golf.” He has become one of Texas’ foremost experts on golf history and travel, having witnessed a countless number of professional and amateur golf tournaments in the state. His work has been published in regional, national and international titles, including Sports Illustrated, Connoisseur Golf, Golf Magazine, Texas Monthly, Global Golf Post, D Magazine and Texas Golfer Magazine. Email: astrick@flash.net; Twitter: @artstricklin

Jeff Ritter
JEFF RITTER

Jeff Ritter is the managing director of SI Golf. He has more than 20 years of sports media experience, and previously was the general manager at the Morning Read, where he led that business's growth and joined SI as part of an acquisition in 2022. Earlier in his career he spent more than a decade at SI and Golf Magazine, and his journalism awards include a MIN Magazine Award and an Edward R. Murrow Award for sports reporting. He received a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and a master's from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.