Gamer Koala

Ranking the 15 Most Fearless Risk-Takers on the PGA Tour

Golf may look serene on the surface, but the PGA Tour is packed with thrill-seekers who live for high-stakes shots and heart-pounding decisions. These players don’t just play the percentages—they stare down danger and go for broke, knowing full well the reward is only as big as the risk.

From aiming for tucked pins on Sunday to pulling driver when a lay-up would do, these fearless shotmakers thrive in the chaos. They’re the guys who go big or go home—and when they go big, it’s a thing of beauty.

15. Viktor Hovland

Jun 15, 2025; Oakmont, Pennsylvania, USA; Viktor Hovland plays his shot from the third tee during the final round of the U.S. Open golf tournament.
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Hovland has no problem firing at flags others steer clear of, even if it means flirting with disaster. His youthful confidence and aggressive shot selection make him one of the boldest rising stars on tour.

14. Tony Finau

Apr 10, 2025; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Tony Finau tees off on no. 5 during the first round of the Masters Tournament.
Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Finau may seem laid-back, but he’s got a gambler’s heart when it comes to going for par-5s in two and attacking tricky pins. He trusts his game and isn’t afraid to swing big when the pressure’s on.

13. Brooks Koepka

Jun 13, 2025; Oakmont, Pennsylvania, USA; Brooks Koepka plays his shot from the third tee during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament.
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Koepka lives for the big moment and isn’t one to shy away from taking a bold line, especially in majors. He thrives on intensity and seems to get stronger when others start playing it safe.

12. Joaquin Niemann

Apr 10, 2025; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Joaquin Niemann tees off on no. 5 during the first round of the Masters Tournament.
Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Niemann plays fast and fearless, attacking courses with the kind of swagger that keeps fans on the edge of their seats. His aggressive play style is refreshing and often pays off in big ways.

11. Jon Rahm

Jun 13, 2025; Oakmont, Pennsylvania, USA; Jon Rahm plays his shot from the first tee during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament.
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Rahm doesn’t just attack—he intends to dominate. He plays with emotion, takes risks without hesitation, and often pulls off shots that others wouldn’t dare try.

10. Jordan Spieth

Jun 19, 2025; Cromwell, Connecticut, USA; Jordan Spieth plays his shot from the first tee during the first round of the Travelers Championship golf tournament.
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Spieth is the king of recovery miracles and doesn’t mind wandering off the script to find a shot that no one else would even consider. His creativity and guts make for unforgettable moments, both good and chaotic.

9. Phil Mickelson

Jun 17, 2018; Southampton, NY, USA; Phil Mickelson tees off the twelfth hole during the final round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Shinnecock Hills GC - Shinnecock Hills Golf C.
Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

Lefty has made a career out of going for broke, whether it’s a flop shot from the pine straw or a driver off the deck. He’s the original gambler, and fans have always loved him for it.

8. Rory McIlroy

Mar 26, 2023; Austin, Texas, USA; Rory McIlroy tees off in the consolation final during the final day of the World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play golf tournament.
Dustin Safranek-Imagn Images

When Rory’s locked in, he plays aggressively with every club in the bag and dares the course to stop him. He’s never afraid to take on the toughest shots if it means making a move.

7. Cam Smith

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Smith’s fearless putting is matched by his decision-making under pressure—he’ll chase pins, hit tight fades, and roll the dice if it gives him a shot at the win. He’s a risk-taker with nerves of steel.

6. Rickie Fowler

May 24, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Rickie Fowler plays his shot from the ninth tee during the third round of the Charles Schwab Challenge golf tournament.
Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Fowler has always been willing to take the brave route, even if it backfires. Whether he’s in form or fighting through struggles, he never stops swinging like he believes something magical could happen.

5. Collin Morikawa

Jun 28, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Collin Morikawa plays his shot on the fourth hole during the third round of the Rocket Mortgage Classic golf tournament.
Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

Morikawa’s iron play is so precise that he often dares to take on pins others avoid. He doesn’t play scared, and it’s that confidence that makes him such a dangerous contender on Sundays.

4. Bryson DeChambeau

Apr 11, 2025; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Bryson DeChambeau plays from the fairway on the 12th green during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Nobody takes bigger swings—literally or metaphorically—than Bryson. From bombing drives over lakes to reshaping how distance is approached, he’s redefined what it means to play with risk.

3. Patrick Reed

May 18, 2021; Kiawah Island, South Carolina, USA; Patrick Reed plays out of a bunker on the ninth hole during a practice round for the PGA Championship golf tournament at Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Resort.
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Reed loves being the villain, and that includes making gutsy, sometimes controversial decisions on the course. He doesn’t flinch, and he’s perfectly comfortable being aggressive in tough situations.

Read more: The 18 Most Calculated Risk-Takers on the PGA Tour

2. Dustin Johnson

Jun 10, 2025; Oakmont, Pennsylvania, USA; Dustin Johnson plays his shot from the 16th tee during a practice round for the U.S. Open golf tournament at Oakmont Country Club.
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

DJ’s calm exterior hides a player who’s never scared to take the aggressive route, especially when he’s chasing a lead. His power game allows him to attack in ways others simply can’t.

Read more: Ranking the 15 Most Fearless NBA Players In History

1. Tiger Woods

Nov 12, 2020; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Tiger Woods plays his shot from the 18th tee during the first round of The Masters golf tournament at Augusta National GC.
Michael Madrid-Imagn Images

In his prime, no one was bolder than Tiger—he’d take on heroic shots and pull them off like it was routine. His fearlessness changed the game and inspired a generation to swing with conviction, not caution.

Stay in the Game With the Latest Scores, Highlights, and Stories — Follow GamerKoala on MSN.

Scroll to Top