Golf is supposed to be a gentleman’s game, but not every player fits that mold. Some guys just had a knack for ticking people off—whether it was their attitude, antics, or complete lack of chill on the course.
These players brought the drama, stirred the pot, and weren’t exactly the clubhouse favorites. From feuds to flair-ups, here are 12 golfers who always rubbed people the wrong way.
12. Patrick Reed
Reed never cared much about what people thought, which only made people think worse of him. He’s played the villain role to perfection, and honestly, he seems to like it that way.
11. Rory Sabbatini
Sabbatini had all the confidence in the world, but not a lot of fans to match. His brash demeanor and on-course temper didn’t win him many popularity contests.
10. Vijay Singh
![Dec 22, 2024; Orlando, Florida, [USA]; Vijay Singh hits a shot out of a bunker on the seventh hole during the PNC Championship at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club.](https://gamerkoala.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Vijay-Singh-1024x658.png)
Singh’s work ethic was legendary, but his warmth was not so much. He often came across as standoffish, and there always seemed to be tension around him.
9. Sergio Garcia
Sergio had a way of turning a bad shot into a full-blown meltdown. His emotional outbursts and constant complaints rubbed plenty of people the wrong way.
8. Ian Poulter
Poulter’s bold style and even bolder confidence made him a lightning rod on tour. You either loved him or couldn’t stand him—there was rarely an in-between.
7. Tiger Woods (Early Years)
Tiger was dominant, but early in his career, he wasn’t exactly buddy-buddy with the rest of the field. His fierce competitiveness and icy demeanor didn’t leave much room for small talk.
6. Bryson DeChambeau
From slow-play controversies to his endless scientific explanations, Bryson’s approach to the game didn’t sit well with everyone. He’s a walking debate and knows it.
5. Brooks Koepka
Koepka’s blunt honesty and constant jabs at fellow players gave off serious lone-wolf vibes. He rarely seemed interested in making friends—just winning majors.
4. Colin Montgomerie
Monty’s reputation for being grumpy and hard to please followed him throughout his career. He could play, no doubt, but his attitude often stole the spotlight.
See more: 15 Tennis Players Who Were Absolutely Hated by the Crowd
3. John Daly
Daly was the ultimate wildcard—boozy, bold, and brash. Fans loved his chaos, but plenty in the golf world found it exhausting.
Read more: The 15 Most Conceited Golfers of All Time
2. Bubba Watson
Despite his talent, Bubba was often labeled difficult and moody. He’s admitted he wasn’t always the easiest guy to be around, and it showed.
Read more: Ranking the 20 Most Chill Golfers to Ever Walk the Fairway
1. Greg Norman
The Shark had the game, the swagger, and the ego to match. He didn’t just want to win—he wanted everyone to know he was the alpha, and that rubbed plenty of people the wrong way.
