As far as win totals go, Tiger’s 64 is more impressive than Hogan’s 64. Mainly this is because Tiger has won 64 titles in less than 12 full seasons whereas Hawk’s wins were spread out over I believe 21 seasons. Hogan in fact didn’t start winning for something like his first seven years on the circuit. Tiger won two of his first seven starts as a pro, and this was after completing one of the greatest amateur careers of all time.

Statistics aside, I don’t think anyone would dispute that Tiger is the more complete player of the two. Hogan achieved near perfection in terms of consistent and accurate ball striking, but he wasn’t even in Tiger’s league when it comes to putting, the short game generally, or power.

Notwithstanding my view that Tiger has surpassed Hogan in overall achievement, there’s no question Hogan belongs in the inner circle of golf’s all-time greats. Moreover, he earned his place in the pantheon not because he looked good on TV, but through hard work, sacrifice, guts, and determination. Rest in peace, Ben.