10 Golfers Who Would Make Great Politicians

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NEWPORT, WALES - SEPTEMBER 30: USA Team Captain Corey Pavin and Phil Mickelson (R) stand for their national anthem during the Opening Ceremony prior to the 2010 Ryder Cup at the Celtic Manor Resort on September 30, 2010 in Newport, Wales. (Photo by Andr

Andrew Redington/Getty Images

With our thoughts firmly focused on politics this election day, naturally someone had to sit down and tackle the all important question: Who would make the best politician among professional golfers?

And, since we're at it, why not give a list of the top 10?

For the sake of this being election day in the United States, we'll confine our list to Americans. Sorry Colin!

10. Kenny Perry

SAN FRANCISCO - OCTOBER 08: (L-R) Kenny Perry and Anthony Kim of the USA Team celebrate in the 18th fairway during the Day One Foursome Matches of The Presidents Cup at Harding Park Golf Course on October 8, 2009 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by

Scott Halleran/Getty Images

He looks the part, that's for sure. The native of Kentucky would rather work on his race cars than pursue political aspirations, but, if he ever had the inkling, here's betting he'd be a popular choice if he ran for office.

9. Jim Furyk

NEWPORT, WALES - SEPTEMBER 28: Jim Furyk of the USA poses for a portrait during the USA Team Photocall prior to the 2010 Ryder Cup at the Celtic Manor Resort on September 28, 2010 in Newport, Wales. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)

David Cannon/Getty Images

Any one who looks as straight and narrow as Furyk surely would be a popular choice, if he ever chose to work for the people.

A native of Pennsylvania, Furyk has never shown any political desires. In fact, he once said, "Winning golf tournaments is what's important to me."

So much for politics, I guess.

8. Stewart Cink

PALM HARBOR, FL - MARCH 19: Stewart Cink reacts during the second round of the Transitions Championship at the Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club held on March 19, 2010 in Palm Harbor, Florida. (Photo by Michael Cohen/Getty Images)

Michael Cohen/Getty Images

The big fellow (6'4") from Alabama is a quiet, yet a well-respected player on tour.

7. Peter Jacobsen

ENDICOTT, NY - JUNE 26: Peter Jacobsen wears a green ribbon for Champions Tour player Ken Green, who was in an automobile accident, during the first round of The Dick's Sporting Goods Open at En-Joie Golf Club on Friday, June 26, 2009 in Endicott, New Yo

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Politicians who can make us laugh have always been popular. Jacobsen fits this bill perfectly. Might be too nice to hold office, but maybe he should give it a shot.

6. Corey Pavin

NEWPORT, WALES - OCTOBER 04: Team USA captain Corey Pavin (R) and Bubba Watson attend a press conference after the 2010 Ryder Cup at the Celtic Manor Resort on October 4, 2010 in Newport, Wales. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

If you think about it, being a Ryder Cup captain is pretty good practice for politics. Pavin didn't fare so well at the Ryder Cup, but that doesn't matter. It's how he came through it, and how he was able to deflect.

He seemed a natural at not taking the blame for the Americans' loss in Wales. A perfect test for a would-be politician.

5. Davis Love III

SEA ISLAND, GA - OCTOBER 10: Robin and Davis Love III speaks during the final round of the McGladrey Classic at Sea Island's Seaside Course on October 10, 2010 in Sea Island, Georgia. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)

Hunter Martin/Getty Images

Look at him; he's a natural. Likely to be the next Ryder Cup captain for the United States, Love will get his share of handling politics just as Pavin did this year, and Paul Azinger before that.

Heck, maybe all Ryder Cup captains should go into politics. Such a perfect fit.

4. Fred Couples

CONOVER, NC - OCTOBER 02: Fred Couples signs autographs for fans following the second round of the Ensure Classic at the Rock Barn Golf & Spa on October 2, 2010 in Conover, North Carolina. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

You need popularity to run for office, which makes Couples a natural consideration.

Bit of shady background, which would make him a natural for public office.

Boom Boom for governor. As a resident of the great state of Washington, I say we could use him.

3. Phil Mickelson

SHANGHAI, CHINA - NOVEMBER 06: Phil Mickelson of the USA smiles on the 18th hole during the second round of the WGC-HSBC Champions at Sheshan International Golf Club on November 6, 2009 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

Andrew Redington/Getty Images

The man with the big smile. And look, he's got the thumb's up gesture down.

He even 'Thumbs up" left-handed.

2. Tom Lehman

NEWPORT, WALES - OCTOBER 01: USA Vice Captain Tom Lehman looks on during the Morning Fourball Matches during the 2010 Ryder Cup at the Celtic Manor Resort on October 1, 2010 in Newport, Wales. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)

Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images

Does any golfer look more like a born leader than this man?

I'd vote for him on appearance alone. Tom would be following in the tradition of great leaders from the state of Minnesota.

Hubert Humphrey, Walter Mondale, Jesse the Body Ventura, Al Franken, Tom Lehman...

1. Rocco Mediate

SAN MARTIN, CA - OCTOBER 17: Rocco Mediate celebrates after winning the Frys.com Open at the CordeValle Golf Club on October 17, 2010 in San Martin, California. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images)

Robert Laberge/Getty Images

The most popular guy on tour with the players, Mediate would excel in politics. Problem is, he's also one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet, and nice guys don't always make the best politicians (remember Jimmy Carter anyone?)

Mediate in 2020. Let's make it happen!

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