Golf is known for its calm, serene atmosphere—until it’s not. Some golfers wear their emotions on their sleeves, whether it’s smashing clubs, heated arguments, or simply letting frustration get the best of them. These players have given fans plenty of memorable moments, for better or worse, by letting their feelings fly off the handle.
From on-camera meltdowns to club-throwing theatrics, these golfers turned a typically composed sport into a stage for drama. Whether it’s competitive passion or just plain fury, these 15 golfers have become famous (or infamous) for their emotional outbursts. Let’s count down the most emotionally volatile golfers to ever play the game.
15. Ty Tryon
Ty Tryon was a teenage prodigy who struggled to keep his emotions in check as his career stalled. Known for slamming clubs and openly venting frustration, his reactions often overshadowed his game.
14. Patrick Reed
Reed’s fiery competitiveness sometimes crosses into heated confrontations with fans and fellow players. His “bad boy” image on the course has made him a polarizing figure.
13. Rory Sabbatini
Sabbatini’s temper has gotten him into plenty of trouble, from arguing with fans to rushing through rounds out of impatience. His antics have earned him a reputation as one of the tour’s more unpredictable personalities.
12. Bubba Watson
Watson’s passion for the game sometimes manifests in angry exchanges with caddies or frustrated yells after missed shots. Despite his talent, his emotions can make him his own worst enemy.
11. Sergio Garcia
Garcia’s passion can easily spill over into frustration, whether it’s blaming the course conditions or snapping clubs. His on-course tantrums have made headlines throughout his career.
10. John Daly
Daly’s larger-than-life personality is matched only by his epic meltdowns. Whether it’s smashing a tee marker or launching a club into a lake, Daly never hides his frustrations.
9. Tommy Bolt
Bolt earned the nickname “Thunder” for his legendary temper and habit of throwing clubs. His volatile behavior set the standard for on-course outbursts back in his day.
8. Ian Poulter
Known for his intense passion and fiery competitiveness, Poulter doesn’t hide his frustration when things go south. His animated reactions have made him both a fan favorite and a target of criticism.
7. Woody Austin
Austin’s intensity often boiled over, most memorably when he hit himself in the head with a putter after a bad shot. His outbursts made him a memorable character on the course.
6. Kevin Na
Na’s slow play already gets under his opponents’ skin, but his own frustration with his game can lead to visible outbursts. His temper has been as much a talking point as his performance.
5. Colin Montgomerie
Colin Montgomerie’s fiery temperament was as much a part of his game as his smooth swing. Known for scolding photographers, icy glares, and confrontations with fans, Monty’s emotional outbursts made him one of the most combustible figures in European golf.
4. Grayson Murray
Murray has had several public outbursts, both on social media and on the course. His willingness to call out opponents and vent his anger has earned him a controversial reputation.
3. Tiger Woods
Woods’ quest for perfection often results in heated reactions after poor shots. From swearing to club throws, his competitive fire is impossible to ignore.
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2. Bryson DeChambeau
DeChambeau’s passion for the game sometimes turns into confrontational moments with fans, officials, and his own equipment. His intensity can be polarizing, to say the least.
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1. Jean Van de Velde
No one will ever forget Van de Velde’s meltdown at the 1999 Open Championship. His complete unraveling on the 18th hole remains one of golf’s most infamous emotional collapses.
