Some golf legends made headlines for their swings. Others made waves for the drama they left behind.
From heated outbursts and rule-bending antics to messy off-course moments, these stars stirred up controversy that sometimes rivaled their trophy counts. Whether you cheered them on or cringed at their antics, there’s no denying these legends brought a little extra chaos to the clubhouse.
15. Vijay Singh
Vijay Singh’s career is loaded with wins, but also layered in tension with fellow players and the media. His issues with the PGA Tour over performance-enhancing allegations didn’t help smooth things over.
14. Gary Player
Gary Player is undeniably one of the all-time greats, but his outspoken nature and sponsorship spats have raised a few eyebrows. From lawsuits with family members to controversial political takes, he never quite stayed out of the headlines.
13. Ian Woosnam
Ian Woosnam had a fiery side that sometimes overshadowed his achievements. The infamous moment when his caddie forgot to count clubs at the Open led to one of the most embarrassing penalties in major history.
12. Sergio Garcia
Sergio Garcia’s tantrums, broken clubs, and testy interviews made him a magnet for criticism. His spats with fans and fellow pros gave him as many headlines as birdies.
11. Patrick Reed
Patrick Reed’s talent is undeniable, but his reputation has taken repeated hits. Accusations of rule-bending and icy relationships with teammates have followed him across multiple tours.
10. John Daly
John Daly brought a rockstar vibe to the PGA Tour—with all the baggage that comes with it. Between on-course meltdowns, substance struggles, and wild lifestyle choices, Daly was a walking tabloid.
9. Rory Sabbatini
Rory Sabbatini wasn’t afraid to speak his mind, even when it rubbed people the wrong way. He built a reputation for fiery temperaments and unfiltered quotes that often landed him in hot water.
8. Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods revolutionized the sport but also brought with him a very public fall from grace. His personal scandals and comeback journey became one of the most talked-about storylines in sports history.
7. Phil Mickelson
Phil Mickelson’s charm and talent made him a fan favorite—until recent years. Controversial comments about rival tours and connections to gambling headlines have clouded his once squeaky image.
6. Seve Ballesteros
Seve Ballesteros was a wizard with a club but often clashed with golf’s authorities. His defiant attitude and run-ins with officials gave him a reputation for pushing boundaries both creatively and behaviorally.
5. Craig Stadler
Craig Stadler, nicknamed “The Walrus,” got caught up in a bizarre controversy over using a towel to kneel during a shot. It earned him a penalty and a strange place in golf’s rulebook lore.
4. Bryson DeChambeau
Bryson DeChambeau turned heads with his scientific approach to the game—and ruffled feathers in the process. His public feuds and polarizing comments made him as famous for controversy as for his distance off the tee.
Read More: 15 Players Who’d Snap If You Spoke Mid-Swing
3. Nick Faldo
Nick Faldo’s cold, sometimes aloof demeanor didn’t win him many friends on Tour. His brutally honest commentary post-retirement has only kept the controversy going.
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2. Colin Montgomerie
Colin Montgomerie was known for his short fuse and sensitivity to hecklers. He often seemed more focused on confronting criticism than conquering the leaderboard.
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1. Tom Watson
Tom Watson’s career is legendary, but his leadership at the 2014 Ryder Cup drew major backlash. His handling of players and media turned a proud moment into a public mess.
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