Golf might be a game of quiet concentration, but that hasn’t stopped plenty of players from speaking their minds on everything from course setups to politics to slow play. Some do it with charm, others with blunt force, but they all have one thing in common: they never hold back.
Whether it’s firing off hot takes in press conferences, stirring up Twitter, or throwing subtle shade mid-tournament, these golfers have made headlines just as often with their mouths as they have with their clubs. Here are 20 of the most opinionated golfers ever, ranked from merely chatty to full-on unfiltered.
20. Zach Johnson
He’s known for his short game, but Zach also isn’t shy about sharing his long thoughts on golf traditions and rules. He’s old-school and not afraid to let people know it.
19. Colin Montgomerie
Monty always had something to say, especially if it involved defending European golf or critiquing fans. His interviews were a reliable source of soundbites and sighs.
18. Rory Sabbatini
If there was tension in a group, Sabbatini was probably at the center of it. He never hesitated to call out slow play—or just about anything else that bugged him.
17. Lee Westwood
Lee Westwood has never been scared of a microphone, especially when it comes to critiquing tours, formats, or decisions made above his pay grade. He always seems to have a take ready to go.
16. Justin Thomas
JT is thoughtful and direct, which means he doesn’t dance around topics in interviews or on social media. He often uses his platform to speak out, sometimes even in a controversial manner.
15. Vijay Singh
Vijay was more reserved than some, but when he did speak out, his words were sharp and to the point. His comments about topics such as women on tour and equipment changes sparked considerable debate.
14. Bryson DeChambeau
From science to swing speeds, Bryson has opinions on everything—and he’s not afraid to explain them in great detail. Whether you agree with him or not, he’s never dull.
13. Tom Watson
Watson is a legend with classic values, and he has been vocal about the direction of the game over the years. From Ryder Cup leadership to young player conduct, he’s chimed in plenty.
12. Sergio Garcia
Sergio wears his heart on his sleeve, and his mouth usually follows. He’s had plenty of moments—some fiery, some emotional—where he let the world know exactly what he thought.
11. Brooks Koepka
Koepka doesn’t say much unless he wants to—but when he does, it lands like a punch. He’s taken shots at everything from slow play to rival players, and he rarely walks it back.
10. Tiger Woods
![Dec 21, 2024; Orlando, Florida, [USA]; Tiger Woods tees off on the fifth hole during the PNC Championship at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images](https://thequickreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Untitled-design-2025-05-30T204236.213-1024x658.png)
Tiger kept things close to the vest early in his career, but he’s opened up with age. These days, his takes on the game’s evolution carry serious weight, and he knows it.
9. Ian Poulter
The king of European passion and LIV Golf Twitter threads, Poulter lives for the mic. He has thoughts—lots of them—and he’s more than happy to share.
8. Patrick Reed
Whether he’s defending himself or firing back at critics, Reed never backs down from saying what’s on his mind. Subtlety? Not really his thing.
7. Greg Norman
Long before he was LIV’s frontman, Norman was always outspoken. His opinions have often made waves—some brilliant, others baffling—but never dull.
6. Rory McIlroy
Rory is one of the smartest talkers in golf and arguably its most thoughtful. He doesn’t just offer opinions—he offers mini manifestos, especially on the state of the sport.
5. Brandel Chamblee
Okay, he’s more analyst than active player now, but Brandel built a second career off his hot takes. He’s never been afraid to ruffle feathers with a strong opinion, especially about LIV.
4. Jack Nicklaus
Even in retirement, Jack loves weighing in on just about everything—from golf balls to player etiquette to the direction of pro tours. His status only amplifies his opinions.
3. Phil Mickelson
Phil’s press conferences are practically TED Talks. Whether he’s riffing on coffee, LIV, or tour policy, he’s always got something to say—and says it in his signature Phil way.
2. John Daly
Daly has never played by the rules, on or off the course. He’s an open book and a human soundbite, constantly offering unfiltered takes on the golf world and beyond.
Read More: Ranking the 20 Most Self-Obsessed Golfers of All Time
1. LIV Golf in Human Form—Jon Rahm
Rahm is fire and fury when it comes to competition, but also surprisingly candid and thoughtful when he opens up. He blends passion and honesty in a way that makes every press conference worth watching.
