Golf isn’t exactly known as the coolest sport on the planet, but that’s never stopped some players from trying to flip the script. Whether they were rocking questionable fashion choices, chasing social media clout, or forcing a swagger that just didn’t stick, these golfers put in way too much effort trying to convince the world they were cooler than they actually were.
Some pulled it off for a while, others crashed and burned in cringeworthy fashion. But either way, we’ll never forget the players who tried just a little too hard to make golf “cool.”
17. Ian Poulter
He dressed like a rockstar and strutted like one, too, but it always felt like he was performing for an imaginary front row. Poulter brought energy, but sometimes it veered into try-hard territory.
16. Rickie Fowler
From neon Puma fits to flat-brimmed hats, Rickie was the poster boy for new-school golf. But the look often overshadowed the results on the course.
15. Bryson DeChambeau
The bulked-up swing scientist tried to combine brawn, brains, and bravado—and somehow ended up looking like a physics major at a frat party. Every press conference felt like a TED Talk no one asked for.
14. Jesper Parnevik
The popped collars, tight pants, and spiked hair screamed “Euro fashion icon,” even if the whole thing aged like milk. He was definitely memorable, just not always for the right reasons.
13. Patrick Reed
There’s a difference between confidence and cockiness, and Reed seemed determined to blur the line. He acted like a villain but wanted to be treated like a hero.
12. Cam Smith
The mullet. The mustache. The laid-back surfer vibes. It was all very on-brand—maybe a little too on-brand.
11. John Daly
Daly’s whole thing was “I don’t care,” which ironically took a lot of effort to maintain. Loud pants, cigarettes, and Diet Coke don’t automatically equal cool.
10. Sergio Garcia
Sergio always wanted to be the fiery, edgy guy, but came off more pouty than punk rock. The tantrums didn’t exactly help the cool factor.
9. Phil Mickelson
When Phil leaned into being the cool, sunglasses-wearing, coffee-slinging Twitter guy, it felt like a midlife crisis in real time. Lefty’s charm works best when it’s effortless, not curated.
8. Viktor Hovland
Hovland’s smile is genuine, but his recent fashion experiments have felt like someone raided a TikTok stylist’s closet. He’s leaning into a vibe, but it doesn’t always land.
7. Tony Finau
Tony’s dance moves are fun, but sometimes they feel like a dad trying to go viral. He’s got charisma, just maybe not the cool factor he thinks he does.
6. Brooks Koepka
Brooks tried so hard to be the jock who doesn’t care, but he looped back around to obviously caring. The “I’m too cool for golf” attitude only works when you’re actually, well, cool.
5. Dustin Johnson
DJ’s vibe is chill, but there’s a difference between being relaxed and being spaced out. The cool guy act only works until you start talking.
4. Jordan Spieth
Jordan’s attempt at being the golden boy who’s also laid-back and funny never quite stuck. He’s way more endearing when he leans into the nervous energy.
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3. Justin Thomas
He rocked joggers before they were cool on tour, but the effort to be trendy often felt more like he was dressing for Instagram, not Augusta. JT’s game is flashy—his vibe, less so.
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2. Greg Norman
The Shark wanted to be larger than life, and he sure dressed like it. But the bravado, business ventures, and off-course antics felt like a masterclass in overcompensation.
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1. Tiger Woods
Yes, even Tiger. Early on, the shades, fist pumps, and Nike everything screamed cool, but later in his career, it sometimes felt like he was clinging to the brand more than creating it.
