Golf is often seen as a gentleman’s game, full of etiquette, sportsmanship, and handshakes on the 18th green. But not every legend of the sport was beloved in the locker room—or even tolerated, for that matter.
Whether it was because of their fiery tempers, over-the-top egos, or a habit of rubbing opponents the wrong way, these iconic golfers didn’t always get invited to the post-round drinks. Here are 13 legends who weren’t exactly clubhouse favorites.
13. Vijay Singh
Singh’s work ethic was legendary, but his aloof demeanor didn’t exactly scream “life of the party.” Between his feud with Phil Mickelson and controversy over skipping pro-am events, he wasn’t winning many popularity contests.
12. Patrick Reed
Reed’s talent is undeniable, but so is his knack for stirring up drama. From family estrangement to rule controversies, he’s long been the guy other players side-eye across the range.
11. Seve Ballesteros
Brilliant with a wedge, prickly with a playing partner. Seve was known for gamesmanship that sometimes pushed the line, especially during Ryder Cups.
10. Brooks Koepka
Cool under pressure but cold behind the scenes, Koepka hasn’t made a habit of cozying up with his peers. His dismissive attitude toward regular-season events and pointed quotes has rubbed some fellow pros the wrong way.
9. Sergio Garcia
Few players have worn their frustration as visibly as Sergio. Whether spitting into cups or blaming bad breaks on everything but himself, his antics didn’t earn him many fans in the locker room.
8. Ben Hogan
Hogan was all business—stoic, intense, and not particularly chatty. While his brilliance was admired, his distance from other players wasn’t just literal—it was personal.
7. Bryson DeChambeau
Bryson’s scientific approach and never-ending tinkering made him stand out, but not always in a good way. His spats with Koepka and pace-of-play issues earned him more groans than fist bumps.
6. Tom Weiskopf
Known for his silky swing and fiery temper, Weiskopf didn’t sugarcoat his opinions. That bluntness, while entertaining for fans, wasn’t always appreciated inside the ropes.
5. Colin Montgomerie
Monty’s talent was elite, but his mood swings were legendary. His tendency to complain and get rattled under pressure made him a tough hang for some tourmates.
4. Tiger Woods
Tiger redefined the game, but he wasn’t exactly handing out friendship bracelets. Focused to a fault and intensely private, even fellow pros often felt like they barely knew him.
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3. Paul Azinger
Azinger’s Ryder Cup fire made him a fan favorite, but not every player loved his confrontational leadership style. He wasn’t afraid to draw lines in the sand, even among teammates.
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2. Jack Nicklaus
Jack was respected, of course, but adored by all? Not quite. His dominant presence, competitive intensity, and reputation for slow play made him a bit of a polarizing figure in his prime.
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1. Walter Hagen
The original golf showman, Hagen partied hard and played harder, often at the expense of protocol. He wasn’t always loved by the old-school purists, but he sure knew how to leave an impression.
