Some golfers handle losing with quiet dignity. Others? Not so much. Golf might be a gentleman’s game, but when things start going sideways, it turns out a few of the world’s finest can turn into full-on tantrum artists.
From the passive-aggressive sighs to the club-snapping meltdowns, these are the players who make you want to change the channel the second they fall behind. We’re counting down the 20 most unbearable golfers to watch when the leaderboard stops loving them back.
20. Tyrell Hatton
Hatton turns into a human grumble machine the moment a shot doesn’t land perfectly. His ongoing commentary and animated reactions make you wonder if he’s auditioning for a one-person show instead of playing golf.
19. Patrick Cantlay
Normally quiet and composed, Cantlay becomes noticeably slower and more robotic when he’s off his game. Watching him in a funk is like watching paint dry—if the paint were also frowning and muttering under its breath.
18. Sergio Garcia
When Sergio starts spiralling, you can feel the tension through your screen. His visible frustration often leads to angry exchanges with his clubs, caddies, and the golf gods themselves.
17. Ian Poulter
Poulter loves to bring the fire, but when he’s losing, that fire becomes a smoldering pit of complaints and sarcastic claps. His body language practically screams, “This course is out to get me.”
16. Brooks Koepka
Koepka exudes confidence when he’s leading, but when things go awry, he turns ice-cold toward the media, the course, and sometimes even his effort. It’s like he checks out mid-round, and watching that unfold is just plain awkward.
15. Bryson DeChambeau
If Bryson starts losing, the science experiments begin to malfunction. He overanalyzes every miss, vents about course setup, and somehow still finds a way to sound like he’s doing a TED Talk in a bunker.
14. Matt Fitzpatrick
Fitzpatrick gets visibly rattled when things go wrong, and his self-talk can spiral into an extended therapy session. It’s like watching someone argue with their inner monologue in real time.
13. Bubba Watson
When Bubba’s off his game, he makes sure everyone within a five-mile radius knows it. He doesn’t hold back on whining about conditions, bad breaks, or even phantom breezes.
12. Justin Thomas
JT wears his heart on his sleeve—and when he’s losing, that heart is usually yelling at the wind. His reactions range from pouty to fired-up tantrums, and you’re never quite sure which version you’re going to get.
11. Jordan Spieth
Spieth’s self-commentary when he’s in a slump is legendary, for all the wrong reasons. He narrates every mistake like he’s mic’d up for a soap opera and turns every bogey into a Shakespearean tragedy.
10. Keegan Bradley
Keegan’s pacing and intensity dial up to eleven when he’s struggling. Combine that with twitchy pre-shot routines and frantic eyes, and you’ve got a meltdown that’s hard to look away from.
9. Henrik Stenson
Stenson isn’t always fiery, but when the wheels fall off, his stony glare and occasional club abuse tell the story. It’s less of a temper tantrum and more of a slow, controlled burn.
8. Colin Montgomerie
Monty was infamous for his short fuse and icy demeanor when things didn’t go his way. Spectators, photographers, and playing partners all felt the frostbite when he was on tilt.
7. Phil Mickelson
Phil tries to keep the smile going, but when he’s losing, it turns into a weird mix of sarcasm and forced charm. You can tell when Lefty’s pretending he’s okay—and it’s usually not fooling anyone.
6. Vijay Singh
Singh’s stoic nature gives way to a quiet storm when he’s trailing. He doesn’t make a scene, but his simmering discontent somehow makes things more uncomfortable.
5. John Daly
When Daly’s having a bad round, it’s a full spectacle—tossed clubs, chain smoking, and commentary that would make a sailor blush. It’s raw, unpredictable, and often more sideshow than sports.
4. Rory Sabbatini
Sabbatini has a legendary reputation for being difficult to work with. When he’s not in contention, the snippy comments and frosty stares tend to multiply.
3. Tiger Woods (in his prime)
Tiger rarely let his emotions boil over in public, but when he did, the intensity was undeniable. A bad round meant icy stares, club slams, and a vibe that screamed “do not approach.”
Read More: The 15 Richest Tennis Clubs in the World
2. Patrick Reed
When Reed’s losing, he doesn’t just sulk—he rewrites the story. From shifting blame to giving off a general air of “the world’s against me,” watching him fall apart isn’t exactly charming.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Most Authentic Golfers of All Time
1. Jon Rahm
Rahm is a walking volcano when he’s losing, complete with audible cursing and wild swings of emotion. His blowups are frequent and theatrical, making every bad hole feel like the dramatic climax of a golf-themed soap opera.
Read More: Ranking the 20 Most Marketable Golfers Right Now
