19 Golfers Who Became More Famous for Their Meltdowns Than Their Wins

Golf is a beautiful, maddening, soul-splitting game—and nowhere is that more evident than when a player implodes on the course. For every calm and collected champion, there’s a guy who chucks a club, mutters to himself for 18 holes, or collapses under pressure in spectacular fashion.

Some golfers became household names not because they lifted trophies, but because they unraveled in ways that were hard to forget. These are the golfers whose legacies are defined more by the breakdowns than the breakthroughs.

19. Sergio Garcia

Before his main win, he was better known for tantrums, club throws, and blaming everything from the course to the clouds. His outbursts were must-see TV.

18. Kevin Na

Na once carded a 16 on a single hole and walked around like he was trying to find his car keys in the woods. It was so bad, even the announcers sounded concerned.

17. Robert Garrigus

He was in contention at the U.S. Open until a late triple bogey derailed everything. The collapse was painful and unforgettable.

16. Rory Sabbatini

He’s been involved in everything from slow-play feuds to awkward partner drama. When people talk about Sabbatini, it’s usually not about a win.

15. Henrik Stenson

Yes, he’s had success, but the meltdowns and club-snapping episodes often stole the spotlight. His temper has a highlight reel of its own.

14. Greg Norman

The Shark had all the talent in the world, but is remembered most for Sunday heartbreaks. His master’s collapse might be the most iconic golf implosion ever.

13. Tommy Armour III

Known more for his record-setting bad rounds than for any great triumphs. He once shot an 81 in the Players Championship and still had to give interviews.

12. Jean van de Velde

He had one foot in the history books before falling apart on the 18th hole at Carnoustie. His name became synonymous with choking, not winning.

11. Bubba Watson

A two-time Masters winner, yes—but somehow the meltdowns and moody moments linger louder in memory. Emotional combustions often overshadowed the green jackets.

10. David Duval

A former world number one, his epic fall from grace happened in real time. At one point, missing the cut seemed more likely than making it to the weekend.

9. Tommy Gainey

“Two Gloves” had a unique look and a game that couldn’t always back it up. He was likelier to go viral for an awkward swing than a winning putt.

8. Scott Hoch

He missed a tap-in at the Masters that defined his career. The putt was short, but the fallout lasted decades.

7. Colin Montgomerie

A brilliant player, but the Ryder Cup pressure and personal meltdowns were always more headline-worthy. He never quite kept it together when it mattered most.

6. John Daly

A cult hero whose blowups were as legendary as his drives. A DQ, WD, or dramatic blowup was waiting for every flash of brilliance.

5. Ian Woosnam

Once, he found out he had 15 clubs in the bag at the Open Championship. His reaction was priceless—and his tournament was doomed.

4. Ty Tryon

Hyped as the next big thing, he quickly unraveled under the pressure. He skipped the success and went straight to the cautionary tale.

3. Kevin Kisner

He’s had some solid finishes, but his salty interviews and flameouts tend to be more memorable. “Ain’t no hobby”—except sometimes it looked like it was.

Read More: Ranking the 20 Most Petulant Golfers of All Time

2. Patrick Reed

Yes, he has a green jacket, but most conversations start with rules, drama, or on-course dustups. His meltdowns, both literal and figurative, define his reputation.

Read More: 15 Golfers Who Took Losing Worse Than Anyone

1. Phil Mickelson

A Hall of Famer, no doubt—but his collapses are legendary. The Masters, the U.S. Open, the PGA, you name it, Phil found a wild way to lose it.

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