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13 Golfers Who Refused to Take a Caddy’s Advice

Sometimes, the player-caddy relationship is like a well-oiled machine. Other times, it’s more like a stubborn GPS arguing with a driver who definitely knows a faster way.

These are the golfers who didn’t just second-guess their caddy—they flat-out ignored them. Whether it worked out or ended in a splashdown, these players marched to the beat of their own swing thoughts.

13. Bryson DeChambeau

Jun 16, 2024; Pinehurst, North Carolina, USA; Bryson DeChambeau putts on the fifteenth green during the final round of the U.S. Open golf tournament
Katie Goodale-Imagn Images

Armed with physics and spreadsheets, Bryson probably thinks he is the caddy. He’s more likely to trust a launch monitor than a human being.

12. Bubba Watson

Apr 13, 2014; Augusta, GA, USA; Bubba Watson walks to the 13th green during the final round of the 2014 The Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club
Jack Gruber-Imagn Images

Bubba plays entirely by feel, which sounds poetic until your caddy’s begging you not to hit a 40-yard slice around a tree. He’s made a career out of ignoring convention—and occasionally, advice.

11. Patrick Reed

Jun 13, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Patrick Reed puts on the 15th green during a practice round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club
Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Patrick has always trusted himself more than anyone else, and that includes whoever’s on the bag. Let’s just say he’s not asking for a second opinion unless it’s from a mirror.

10. Sergio Garcia

Jul 28, 2022; Bedminster, NJ, USA; Sergio Garcia chips out of a bunker during the LIV Invitational Pro-Am at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster
John Jones-Imagn Images

When things go sideways, Sergio is more likely to blame his caddy than follow their guidance. His confidence is unwavering, even when the shot isn’t.

9. Rory Sabbatini

May 13, 2021; McKinney, Texas, USA; Rory Sabbatini acknowledges the gallery after sinking his put on the 18th green during the first round of the AT&T Byron Nelson golf tournament.
Jim Cowsert-Imagn Images

Rory marches to the beat of his own tempo, and it’s often double-time. He’s been known to act so quickly, his caddy barely has time to suggest anything at all.

8. John Daly

February 16, 2008: Pacific Palisades, CA, USA; John Daly (USA) tees off from the fifth hole tee box during the third round at the Northern Trust Open at the Riviera Country Club.
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

If his caddy said lay up, Daly probably grabbed the driver before they finished the sentence. He’s more about vibes than strategy, and it shows.

7. Ian Poulter

June 14, 2019; Pebble Beach, CA, USA; Ian Poulter lines up a putt on the 10th green during the second round of the 2019 U.S. Open golf tournament at Pebble Beach Golf Links
Rob Schumacher-Imagn Images

Poulter plays with emotion first, logic second. If his caddy suggests a smart play, there’s a good chance he’s already committed to the dramatic one.

6. Tony Jacklin

Tony Jacklin
Materialscientist via Wikimedia Commons

Back in his day, Jacklin was a trailblazer who didn’t always want someone in his ear. He believed in trusting his instincts, even if they clashed with the guy carrying his clubs.

5. Tiger Woods (early in his career)

Jul 18, 2024; Ayrshire, SCT; Tiger Woods on the 11th green during the first round of the Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Troon.
Jack Gruber-Imagn Images

Young Tiger had one of the best caddies in Steve Williams, but that didn’t mean he always listened. When you’re that talented, sometimes you just go with your gut… even if the caddy is waving his arms in protest.

4. Phil Mickelson

Phil Mickelson takes a shot from off the 11th green landing inches from the cup on the Pete Dye Stadium course during the third round of The American Express at PGA West in La Quinta, Calif., Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022. Syndication Desert Sun
Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK

Phil loves to analyze every possible outcome—just don’t expect him to follow his caddy’s final verdict. Half the time, he’s already decided to go for the hero shot anyway.

Read More: 15 Most Boastful Golfers of All Time

3. Seve Ballesteros

04/10/1986; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Seve Ballesteros walks off the green after retrieving the ball from the hole at the Augusta National Golf Course during the 1986 Masters.
The Augusta Chronicle-USA TODAY NETWORK

Seve was pure flair and feel, often inventing shots mid-round that no caddy would ever dream up. He didn’t just ignore advice—he created shots from places advice couldn’t reach.

Read More: 15 Golfers Who Thought They Were Celebrities First

2. Colin Montgomerie

Colin Montgomerie (SCO) reacts after hitting an approach shot from the fairway of the first hole during the first round of the Chubb Classic, Friday, Feb. 18, 2022, at Tibur n Golf Club at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples, Fla. Chubb Classic first round, Feb. 18, 2022
Landon Bost/Naples Daily News/USA TODAY Network-Florida / USA TODAY NETWORK

Monty wasn’t known for his sunny disposition on the course, and caddies often bore the brunt of it. Taking advice was never his strong suit, especially under pressure.

Read More: The 20 Golfers Who Always Thought They Were the Main Character

1. Vijay Singh

February 16, 2008: Pacific Palisades, CA, USA; Vijay Singh (FJI) tees off from the fourth hole tee box during the third round at the Northern Trust Open at the Riviera Country Club.
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Vijay had a famously icy relationship with most of his caddies. He trusted his prep work more than any read handed to him in the heat of battle.

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