Golf is a game of humility—unless you’re one of the guys on this list. From fist pumps to fashion statements to feuds with the media, some golfers didn’t just play the game—they acted like they were the game.
These are the golfers who strutted around the fairways like the entire PGA Tour should thank them for showing up. Whether winning majors or just talking a big game, these players made it clear that they thought golf revolved around them.
19. Ian Poulter
Poulter always seemed more interested in being a brand than a golfer. If confidence alone could win majors, he’d have a whole closet full of green jackets.
18. Sergio Garcia
Garcia made headlines as much for his tantrums as his talent. He acted like golf owed him a major before he ever won one.
17. Patrick Reed
If there was ever a golfer who carried a main-character energy, it’s Patrick Reed. From controversy to confidence, he’s never been one to shy away from the spotlight.
16. Rickie Fowler
Rickie’s flair and fashion had him marketed as golf’s next big thing before the wins ever came. He looked more like a walking logo than a leaderboard threat.
15. Brooks Koepka
Koepka has always made it clear he thinks majors are the only events that matter, mostly because he shows up for them and shrugs off the rest. If you didn’t know he was a four-time major winner, don’t worry—he’d tell you.
14. John Daly
![Dec 22, 2024; Orlando, Florida, [USA]; John Daly hits a tee shot on the second hole during the PNC Championship at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club.](https://gamerkoala.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/John-Daly-2-1024x683.jpg)
With his wild outfits and even wilder lifestyle, Daly made golf look more like a rock concert. He’s a legend, but make no mistake—he did things his way and expected everyone to watch.
13. Justin Thomas
Thomas has all the talent in the world, and he knows it. Whether chirping on the course or talking shop off it, he’s never lacked swagger.
12. Greg Norman
The Shark ruled the ‘90s with dominance and a strong sense of self. Even now, he acts like the game revolves around his vision for the future.
11. Dustin Johnson
Cool, calm, and always acting like nothing matters, DJ has the vibe of someone who thinks golf is lucky to have him. He made effortless look like entitlement.
10. Jordan Spieth
At his peak, Spieth looked like he could take over the sport and acted like it. He had the intensity and the commentary to match his quick rise.
9. 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/2025/05/Vijay-Singh-3-1024x576.jpg)
Singh’s serious demeanor and workaholic mentality made him intimidating, but also came off like he thought no one else was doing it right. He played like a machine and carried himself like a lone wolf.
8. Colin Montgomerie
Monty never won a major, but you’d think he had five based on his on-course demeanor. He often looked like he was annoyed to be surrounded by mere mortals.
7. Rory McIlroy
Rory’s talent is generational, and so is his presence. He’s been the face of the sport for over a decade—and sometimes talks like he’s its moral compass too.
6. Lee Westwood
Westwood was a mainstay near the top of the rankings, and he never missed a chance to remind everyone how consistent he was. Even without a major, he carried himself like golf royalty.
5. Phil Mickelson
Phil has always been as much a showman as a shot-maker. Whether hitting bombs or delivering quotes, he’s been crafting his legend in real time.
4. Bryson DeChambeau
From bulking up to swinging out of his shoes, Bryson treated golf like a science experiment with himself as the star. Every round felt like a one-man physics class, with a gallery.
3. Rory Sabbatini
Sabbatini was never shy about ruffling feathers or going his own way. His confidence didn’t always match the results, but that didn’t stop him from acting like a top dog.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Most Likeable Golfers of All Time
2. Payne Stewart
Stewart’s style and swagger made him stand out, and he played the part of golf’s leading man. He knew how to work a crowd and loved every second of it.
Read More: McIlroy and Spieth Reveal how Golf’s Early Stars Can Fade Fast
1. Tiger Woods
Let’s be real—Tiger did make the sport revolve around him. But the aura, the entourage, and the mystique? That came with a side of “I’m the reason you’re all watching.”
Read More: The 20 Golfers Who Always Thought They Were the Main Character
