Golf is often regarded as a gentleman’s game, characterized by polite applause and discreet commentary. But behind the scenes, the tension between players can be as thick as the rough at Winged Foot.
Whether it’s because of slow play, ego, or a general vibe that rubbed people the wrong way, some golfers earned themselves more eye rolls. From legends who dominated to personalities who never quite meshed with the locker room, these are the golfers other players quietly couldn’t stand.
17. Ian Poulter
His Ryder Cup swagger rubbed some the wrong way, especially when he wasn’t exactly dominating outside of team events. Poulter’s confidence often walked the line between inspiring and insufferable.
16. Patrick Reed
Reed’s reputation for bending the rules hasn’t exactly won him any popularity contests. His teammates and opponents alike have kept their distance more than once.
15. Sergio Garcia
Sergio’s temper and club-throwing tantrums didn’t always make him a fan favorite in the locker room. Add in the occasional grudge, and it’s clear he wasn’t everyone’s go-to dinner companion.
14. Rory Sabbatini
Sabbatini was known for playing fast and getting frustrated when others didn’t keep up. That impatience, along with a few odd public comments, made him a polarizing figure on tour.
13. Vijay Singh
![Dec 22, 2024; Orlando, Florida, [USA]; Vijay Singh hits a shot out of a bunker on the seventh 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-2025-05-30T203157.090-1024x658.png)
Despite being a dominant player, Singh’s no-nonsense demeanor and icy interactions made him tough to connect with. He wasn’t one for small talk, and players noticed.
12. Colin Montgomerie
Monty could be prickly under pressure and wasn’t shy about showing his frustrations. His interactions with fans and fellow pros sometimes left much to be desired.
11. Brooks Koepka
Koepka’s casual attitude toward regular-season events and shots at other players didn’t always land well. His “I only care about majors” persona wore thin for some.
10. Kevin Na
Known for his deliberate play, Na became infamous for grinding rounds to a halt. Even fellow slow players thought it was a bit much.
9. Bubba Watson
Despite his talent, Bubba’s emotional swings and on-course complaints weren’t always appreciated by others. Some called him a difficult partner and described him as having an unpredictable personality.
8. 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 cold demeanor and methodical approach led to tension during his playing days. Even his success couldn’t shield him from being labeled as standoffish.
7. Tom Watson
A legend of the game, yes, but Watson’s old-school values and occasionally critical comments rubbed some of the newer generation the wrong way. He wasn’t afraid to speak his mind, for better or worse.
6. Gary Player
The player’s boundless energy and self-promotion, while admirable to fans, could feel overbearing to fellow players. His need to always have the last word didn’t help.
5. Bryson DeChambeau
Between the science talk, the endless pre-shot routines, and the bulk-up era, Bryson wore on more than a few of his peers. His habit of overanalyzing everything didn’t exactly make rounds fly by.
4. Phil Mickelson
Phil’s charming to the media, but behind closed doors, players have whispered about his gamesmanship and calculated nature. Not everyone bought into the thumbs-up routine.
3. 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)
The most dominant player of a generation wasn’t exactly warm and fuzzy on tour. Tiger’s competitive tunnel vision left little room for genuine friendships, and many people shared this sentiment.
Read More: 20 Golfers Who Were Basically Villains and Loved It
2. Greg Norman
Norman’s brash confidence and post-career ventures didn’t always earn respect from his peers. His willingness to ruffle feathers was part of the package.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Most Passive-Aggressive Golfers Ever
1. Patrick Cantlay
Known for a glacial pace of play and a stone-faced demeanor, Cantlay has quietly become the guy others dread being paired with. His talent is undeniable, but the vibe is a challenge.
Read More: The 25 Most Petty Golfers of All Time
