14 Golfers Who Played the Villain Role to Perfection

Golf may be a gentleman’s game, but that doesn’t mean everyone plays nice. Some players embrace the role of antagonist, stirring the pot, ruffling feathers, and making every tournament feel like a showdown between good and evil.

Whether it’s because of their attitude, their antics, or just their undeniable swagger, these 14 golfers leaned into their villain era with style. Love them or loathe them, the sport wouldn’t be nearly as fun without them.

14. Patrick Reed

Reed has never been afraid to speak his mind, and that confidence often teeters into cockiness. Toss in a few rules controversies and his frosty relationships with fellow pros, and you’ve got a ready-made golf villain.

13. Sergio García

From club tosses to outbursts on the course, García has never hidden his frustration when things go sideways. His tendency to clash with fans and fellow players only cemented his heel status over the years.

12. Ian Poulter

The flashy outfits, the fist-pumping Ryder Cup theatrics, and the unshakable self-belief made Poulter a perfect foil. Especially when he was taking down American teams with a smirk on his face.

11. Brooks Koepka

Koepka’s whole vibe screams alpha energy, and he doesn’t care if you like it or not. His no-nonsense attitude and rivalry with Bryson DeChambeau added an edge golf hadn’t seen in a while.

10. Bryson DeChambeau

The scientist of golf turned mad scientist pretty quickly. From bulking up like a linebacker to slow-play controversies and media feuds, he never made it easy to root for him.

9. Colin Montgomerie

American fans loved to boo Monty, and he didn’t do much to win them over. His short temper and reputation for being a bit prickly turned him into a classic Ryder Cup villain.

8. Rory Sabbatini

Known for being fiery and outspoken, Sabbatini ruffled feathers wherever he went. Whether it was criticizing Tiger Woods or playing ahead of his group, he embraced chaos.

7. Vijay Singh

Singh’s intensity and no-frills demeanor often rubbed people the wrong way. His feud with Phil Mickelson and his controversial comments didn’t help his likability factor either.

6. Tiger Woods (in his early years)

Young Tiger didn’t smile much, didn’t talk much, and destroyed the competition without remorse. His aura of invincibility came with a swagger that made him a villain to some and a hero to others.

5. Paul Azinger

Azinger wasn’t afraid to trash-talk or stir the pot, especially in team events. His patriotism bordered on antagonistic during Ryder Cups, making him a love-him-or-hate-him figure.

4. John Daly

Daly wasn’t a villain in the traditional sense, but his wild lifestyle and total disregard for golf’s buttoned-up image made him the sport’s resident rebel. He was more rock star than golfer, and not everyone loved that.

Read more: 17 NFL Players Who Embraced the Villain Role

3. Greg Norman

Norman’s confidence and aggressive style made him both admired and resented. Later in life, his role in the rise of LIV Golf turned him into a true antagonist in the eyes of many traditionalists.

Read more: 20 Golfers Who Treated Grudges Like Trophies

2. Phil Mickelson

Lefty was once beloved, but his recent pivot into controversy has been dramatic. From gambling stories to his LIV Golf allegiance, Mickelson’s fall from grace has been pure villain arc material.

Read more: 17 NFL Players Who Played the Villain Role to Perfection

1. Patrick Cantlay

Quiet on the outside, but a behind-the-scenes stirrer, Cantlay has built a sneaky villain reputation. Between slow-play antics and Ryder Cup drama, he’s become the guy fans love to jeer.