Kite's chip-in at Pebble Beach led to his U.S. Open win. Gary Newkirk/Getty Images

One of golf's legendary players passed away Sunday. George Archer, literally a larger-than-life golfer at 6-foot-5½, could claim something most pro golfers can only dream about -- he won a major, specifically the 1969 Masters. It was his only major in a career that produced 12 PGA Tour victories.

To honor Archer's career, here is my top 10 list of the best players to have won only one major. You'll notice that I've skewed the list toward my generation more than my father's, although that's certainly not to denigrate any player who has ever claimed a Grand Slam event.

And while some say the lucky ones win one major and the great ones win two, the players on this list have nothing to be ashamed of (although I'm sure Phil Mickelson is glad his name is off the list). While Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus were not satisfied with just one major, the majority of us would gladly take it and run.

1. LANNY WADKINS
1977 PGA Championship (Pebble Beach)
Wadkins was able to clinch his victory in a playoff against Gene Littler on the third extra hole. With his talent, Lanny underachieved when it came to winning majors. He currently has 21 Tour wins -- giving him a lifetime exemption --including a Players Championship victory in 1979. His only Champions Tour win came in his "rookie" season in his first event of 2000. He's most visible as the lead CBS golf analyst.

2. TOM KITE
1992 U.S. Open (Pebble Beach)
On an extremely windy day, Kite chipped in at No. 7, building a lead and then holding on down the stretch against runner-up Colin Montgomerie. Kite has 19 Tour wins and seven more on the Champions Tour. Like Wadkins, he also has a Players Championship victory (1989).

3. DAVIS LOVE III
1997 PGA Championship (Winged Foot)
A rainbow arched in the background as Love dropped in his final putt on the 72nd hole. DL3 currently has 18 Tour victories, including Players Championship wins in '92 and '03.

4. FRED COUPLES
1992 Masters
Fate was on Couples' side at the treacherous par-3 12th when his errant drive stayed on the bank instead of finding the water, the usual penalty in that situation. Fred has amassed 15 Tour titles, including the '84 and '96 Players Championships.

5. COREY PAVIN
1995 U.S. Open (Shinnecock Hills)
Pavin held off Greg Norman with a remarkable 4-wood second shot at the final hole. That approach stopped within 10 feet, with Pavin two-putting for the win. His resume includes 14 Tour titles and 12 international victories.