Some golfers chase titles, others chase vengeance. Whether it was a slow-playing partner, a missed call, or a perceived slight from the media, these guys didn’t just let things slide; they added it to their personal leaderboard of lifelong beefs.
From icy post-round handshakes to press conference shade, these golfers could hold a grudge longer than most of us hold onto a New Year’s resolution. They didn’t forget, they didn’t forgive, and they sure didn’t keep it quiet.
20. Rory Sabbatini
Rory never met a feud he couldn’t escalate. His on-course tension with fellow players became part of his brand, passion mixed with a chip on his shoulder.
19. Colin Montgomerie
Monty didn’t just hear boos from American crowds, he remembered every one of them. He carried that Ryder Cup resentment like a carry-on across every transatlantic flight.
18. Patrick Reed
There’s always a hint of “I’ll prove you wrong” in Reed’s game. He’s got receipts, and he’s not afraid to bring them up even years later.
17. Sergio Garcia
Sergio has had more public spats than most players have major appearances. Whether it was a reporter, a rival, or a rake in a bunker, Sergio found something to stew over.
16. Brooks Koepka
Brooks keeps a mental leaderboard of perceived slights. If you doubt him, he files it away and brings it up the next time he’s hoisting a trophy or dropping a passive-aggressive quote.
15. Ian Poulter
Poulter doesn’t just live for the Ryder Cup, he lives to remind you of every time you counted him out. He fuels his fire with criticism and never lets go of a snub.
14. Paul Azinger
Azinger isn’t shy about calling people out, especially when it comes to pride and patriotism. Once you’re on his bad side, expect to stay there.
13. Brandel Chamblee
As a commentator, Chamblee’s analysis often feels personal, and it’s because he doesn’t forget. Cross him once, and you’ll be hearing about it during a Masters preview segment a decade later.
12. Vijay Singh
Vijay quietly logs every disrespect and uses it as fuel. His cold-shoulder game is elite, and his memory for slights is even better.
11. Tiger Woods
Tiger might not speak on it, but he absolutely remembers. If you doubted him, he didn’t need to yell, he just beat you while staring straight through your soul.
10. Matt Kuchar
Kuchar’s reputation took a hit after a caddie payment controversy, and he seemed to carry a chip from the fallout. He doesn’t exactly embrace criticism with open arms.
9. Keegan Bradley
Keegan plays like a man out to prove something, every single round. Whether it’s critics or past opponents, he’s got mental Post-it notes for all of them.
8. Gary Player
Gary is one of the legends, but he’s not above revisiting old disputes. If you’ve ever questioned his fitness advice or career, chances are he’s still thinking about it.
7. Tom Watson
Watson holds himself and everyone else to a high standard, and he’s never afraid to say so. Once he’s made his judgment, it tends to stick.
6. Bryson DeChambeau
Bryson’s list of rivals grew alongside his biceps. From slow-play accusations to social media spats, he always seems one comment away from launching another grudge.
5. Jack Nicklaus
Jack might smile for the cameras, but he has the memory of an elephant. If you crossed him in his prime, you better believe he still remembers the score and the quotes.
4. Seve Ballesteros
Seve had a legendary game and an even more legendary memory for wrongs. He competed with a simmering intensity, especially when he felt disrespected.
3. Payne Stewart
Payne brought flair and fire, and if he felt slighted, it added fuel to his competitive edge. He didn’t just want to beat you, he wanted to prove you were wrong about him.
2. Greg Norman
The Shark has never fully let go of his major heartbreaks or the people he believes contributed to them. His grudges aged like a vintage red, always ready to be uncorked.
1. Phil Mickelson
Phil smiles and signs autographs, but behind the scenes, he’s got a Hall of Fame level memory for beef. Whether it’s old rivalries, media critiques, or organizational snubs, Lefty doesn’t forget—he files it under “motivation.”
