17 Golfers Who Always Handled Wins and Losses Like Champions

In golf, as in life, it’s not just about how you win but how you handle losing, too. While some pros throw clubs and pout their way to the clubhouse, others manage to stay classy whether they’re hoisting a trophy or missing the cut.

These are the golfers who never let the moment get too big or too messy. From legends to low-key fan favorites, here are 17 players who consistently handled victory and defeat with grace, sportsmanship, and poise.

17. Zach Johnson

Johnson never needed to be flashy to earn respect—just steady, humble, and always gracious. Whether winning majors or falling short, he was the first to shake hands and offer praise.

16. Lydia Ko

Ko has faced career ups and downs with a maturity far beyond her years. Her interviews are always thoughtful, and she never blames anyone or anything for a bad round.

15. Stewart Cink

Even when the crowd wasn’t rooting for him (hi, Tom Watson fans), Cink stayed composed and kind. He’s the definition of a professional who doesn’t let emotions take over.

14. Lorena Ochoa

Ochoa was a dominant force during her prime, but you’d never know it by her humble demeanor. Win or lose, she always focused on the game, not herself.

13. Justin Rose

Rose has had more than a few close calls, but he’s never let frustration get the best of him. He handles interviews with charm and always gives credit where it’s due.

12. Matt Kuchar

Kuchar’s ever-present smile might be meme-worthy, but it’s also real. He treats wins and losses with the same laid-back energy that fans have come to love.

11. Patty Tavatanakit

Patty’s rise has been meteoric, but her attitude hasn’t changed. She’s respectful and calm and always acknowledges her competitors and team, win or lose.

10. Bernhard Langer

Decades of excellence haven’t made Langer cocky—just incredibly consistent. He’s a picture of discipline and class, no matter where he finishes.

9. Collin Morikawa

Morikawa burst onto the scene with poise beyond his years and never let success change him. He stays grounded, win or lose, and always keeps things professional.

8. Se Ri Pak

Pak inspired a generation, and did it with incredible humility. Her wins were decisive, but her quiet strength in challenging moments was just as impactful.

7. Tony Finau

Finau is everyone’s favorite nice guy—and for good reason. He’s never been one to throw tantrums or make excuses, even when victory slipped away.

6. Tom Watson

Watson handled heartbreak (like the 2009 Open) with the same grace he showed during his dominant years. He knew the game owed him nothing, and he always respected it.

5. Inbee Park

Park’s quiet demeanor belies a fierce competitor who never complains. She’s all about golf and treats every result with elegance and maturity.

4. Rory McIlroy

Rory has had public meltdowns and high-profile losses, but always owns it. He’s candid and introspective and always gives credit where it’s due—even if it’s not his day.

3. Annika Sörenstam

The greatest to ever do it on the LPGA Tour also happened to be one of the most gracious. Sörenstam let her game speak and kept her emotions in check, win or lose.

2. Jordan Spieth

Spieth has had the highest highs and some very public lows, but he’s always kept it classy. He jokes about his missteps, praises others’ wins, and handles the rollercoaster with a champion’s mindset.

Read More: Ranking the 20 Most Drama-Free Golfers of All Time

1. Jack Nicklaus

No one mastered the art of graciousness like The Golden Bear. He treated every opponent and every moment—good or bad—with respect, humility, and total class.

Read More: Ranking the 20 Most Down-to-Earth Golfers