Golf is a sport built on tradition, etiquette, and self-belief. But occasionally, that quiet confidence turns into full-blown ego — and the fairways aren’t quite big enough to contain it.
These players never shied away from telling you how great they were, how misunderstood they felt, or how the game isn’t the same without them. From legendary icons to short-lived loudmouths, here are the 15 most self-important golfers of all time, ranked from merely confident to insufferable.
15. Sergio Garcia
Sergio has always had the talent, but he’s never hesitated to remind you of it, especially when things go sideways. He’s long believed the golf gods owed him more respect, whether blaming the course or the crowd.
14. Bryson DeChambeau
He’s not just a golfer — he’s a scientist, an influencer, and a disruptor (according to Bryson himself). His relentless overanalysis of everything from air density to protein shakes makes every round feel like a TED Talk in cleats.
13. Vijay Singh
Vijay was one of the best, but his cold demeanor and standoffish attitude made him feel more entitled than admired. He often seemed more interested in proving points than connecting with fans or fellow players.
12. Colin Montgomerie
Monty could never quite shake the perception that he took himself too seriously — and then some. His reactions to missed putts and perceived slights were often more theatrical than the golf itself.
11. Ian Poulter
He dresses like a rock star and talks like one, too, frequently hyping himself up as a Ryder Cup legend above all else. Poulter has always seemed like the guy who’d autograph his mirror.
10. Rory Sabbatini
A talented player, sure, but never afraid to ruffle feathers or talk big. Sabbatini made headlines as much for his brashness as his actual golf, which always seemed to trail just behind his mouth.
9. Greg Norman
The Shark’s confidence was never in short supply, even when his results didn’t match the talk. Norman has long acted like golf’s main character, from business ventures to rival tours.
8. Phil Mickelson
Lefty walks a fine line between charisma and ego; sometimes he flies past it. His constant reinvention and off-course dramatics have often made it feel like the Phil Show, with golf as the backdrop.
7. Brooks Koepka
Brooks doesn’t just want to win — he wants to let you know how little he supposedly cares about everything else. That calculated indifference, mixed with his big-time swagger, screams self-importance with every shrug.
6. Patrick Reed
Reed plays with a chip on his shoulder the size of Augusta National, and he’s rarely shy about telling his side of every controversy. Whether celebrating a big win or battling a PR firestorm, he always finds a way to make it about him.
5. Nick Faldo
Brilliant on the course, but icy and intensely focused off it, Faldo always gave the impression he thought he was the smartest guy in the room. His transition to broadcasting only amplified the “been there, done that better” vibe.
4. Dustin Johnson
DJ is almost too chill, and that aloofness can sometimes come off as apathy mixed with arrogance. He doesn’t say much, but when he does, it’s usually something that reminds you he knows exactly how good he is.
3. Tiger Woods
No one has had a bigger impact on the game, but Tiger’s confidence has always bordered on myth-making. For years, he didn’t just play golf — he knew it and existed on a different plane.
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2. Jack Nicklaus
The Golden Bear is a legend, but he never misses a chance to remind you of his resume. Whether dropping subtle jabs at the modern game or casually referencing his majors tally, Jack has always known his worth — and then some.
Read More: 15 Most Boastful Golfers of All Time
1. Rory McIlroy
Rory talks like he’s the spokesman for the entire sport, often injecting himself into debates no one asked him to solve. Whether he’s defending the PGA Tour, lecturing on LIV, or dissecting the state of golf, he always sounds like he’s carrying the weight of the game on his shoulders — and loving it.
Read More: The 20 Golfers Who Always Thought They Were the Main Character
