Some golfers hit a bad shot and move on. Others treat that one slice like it personally insulted their family and carry it around like emotional luggage for the next 27 holes.
Whether it was a rules dispute, a missed putt, or just a chip that didn’t bounce their way, these guys never forgot, never forgave, and definitely never moved on. Here are 15 golfers who could hold a grudge longer than most of us can hold a golf club.
15. Keegan Bradley
Keegan could miss a three-footer and still be muttering about it three holes later. He brings a level of emotional replay that rivals a film editor.
14. Sergio Garcia
If there’s a rule disagreement or a bunker that annoys him, Sergio will let you know, repeatedly. He’s got the memory of an elephant and the reaction time of a firecracker.
13. Bryson DeChambeau
Every bounce that doesn’t go Bryson’s way seems to require a full scientific explanation. He’s less “forget and move on” and more “analyze and rant.”
12. Colin Montgomerie
Monty could be 6-under but still salty about a fan coughing during his backswing in 1999. The man kept score on the course and off it.
11. Patrick Reed
From rules drama to social media shade, Reed is always ready to revisit a grievance. He’s got receipts, and he’s not shy about using them.
10. Ian Poulter
Poulter plays with passion, but that passion sometimes curdles into long-lasting bitterness. A missed Ryder Cup putt? He’ll remember the spike mark that caused it.
9. Vijay Singh
Vijay’s a legendary worker, but he’s also legendary for holding on to slights like they’re trophies. Whether it’s a snub or a bad break, he doesn’t forget.
8. Tom Watson
Even as a legend, Watson has had moments where he just couldn’t let something go, especially when it came to missed opportunities at the majors. The 2009 Open still lives rent-free in his mind.
7. Paul Azinger
Zinger always spoke his mind, especially when he felt wronged. And once it’s out there, he’s not exactly one to walk it back.
6. Brooks Koepka
Brooks has a list of media members and fellow players who’ve rubbed him the wrong way, and it’s safe to say he hasn’t let many of those names go. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and makes sure you know why.
5. Nick Faldo
![Dec 21, 2024; Orlando, Florida, [USA]; Nick Faldo tees off during the PNC Championship at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images](https://thequickreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Untitled-design-2025-06-03T065642.748-1024x658.png)
Faldo’s got six majors and a Rolodex of golf beefs. He’s brilliant, yes, but also quietly known for clinging to slights like they’re medals.
4. Rory Sabbatini
If there was a perceived disrespect or a slow player ahead of him, Sabbatini didn’t just move on, he stewed. His reactions were often more memorable than his rounds.
3. Tiger Woods
For all his greatness, Tiger had a long memory, especially for perceived disrespect or past failures. His mental list of motivations could probably fill a novel.
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2. Seve Ballesteros
Seve was a magician on the course and a master of the grudge off of it. Whether it was Ryder Cup tension or course conditions, he rarely let anything slide.
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1. Phil Mickelson
Nobody balances charm and pettiness quite like Phil. He can smile at you while still very much remembering every time someone doubted him, or made him play second fiddle to Tiger.
