Golf might be known as a gentleman’s game, but not everyone follows the “quiet, please” playbook. Some golfers talk trash like they’re lining up for a fourth-and-goal, bringing NFL-level bravado to the driving range, tee box, and post-round interviews.
Whether it’s chirping their opponents, flexing in front of the cameras, or throwing a little shade during Ryder Cup week, these players brought the heat. They made headlines, ruffled feathers, and proved that even on a perfectly manicured course, the mic is always hot.
20. Ian Poulter
Known for his Ryder Cup swagger, Poulter talks like he’s trying to win a Super Bowl every time he tees it up for Europe. He thrives on emotion and isn’t shy about letting you know how clutch he thinks he is.
19. Max Homa
Homa’s Twitter feed is a locker room roast session, and he doesn’t mind firing shots at himself or anyone else. He brings the locker-room banter straight to the PGA Tour with a smile and a punchline.
18. Sergio Garcia
Sergio always had something to say, especially when things weren’t going his way. From jabs at Tiger to gripes about slow play, he was never one to hold back.
17. Brooks Koepka
Koepka talks like a linebacker—low on compliments, high on confidence. He’s called out rivals, majors, and even the vibe on Tour like he’s running a pregame press conference.
16. Bubba Watson
Don’t let the Southern drawl fool you—Bubba has barked at caddies, cameras, and fellow players. He’s never lacked opinions or a sharp tongue when things got heated.
15. Rory Sabbatini
Sabbatini made more enemies than friends thanks to his bluntness and constant chirping. He brought a hockey enforcer’s energy to a country club setting.
14. Kevin Na
Between his slow walk-ins and relentless pace-of-play mind games, Na knew how to get under people’s skin. He may not have screamed, but the passive-aggressive trash talk was loud and clear.
13. Matt Fitzpatrick
Fitzpatrick may look mild-mannered, but he’s delivered sneaky shade in pressers and loves reminding people when he proves them wrong. It’s the polite British version of NFL trash talk, but it still lands.
12. Jordan Spieth
Spieth’s self-talk often turns into opponent-talk—he narrates everything like he’s mic’d up on a football sideline. The running commentary has annoyed more than a few playing partners.
11. Bryson DeChambeau
Bryson talks like he’s trying to win a postgame interview every time he swings a club. Whether it’s defending his science or clapping back at critics, the man never stops.
10. Phil Mickelson
Phil dishes out old-school trash talk with a side of charm. He’ll roast you with a smile, and you won’t even realize it until three holes later.
9. Tiger Woods
Tiger may not have been the loudest, but when he chirped, it mattered. His icy stare and perfectly timed verbal jabs hit harder than any cornerback.
8. Viktor Hovland
Hovland’s sneaky, sarcastic comments and dry wit have made him a low-key trash-talking star. He’ll burn you with a grin, and it somehow still feels friendly.
7. Justin Thomas
JT loves the back-and-forth, especially in team events. He’s the guy screaming after a made putt like he just broke up a pass on fourth down.
6. Shane Lowry
Lowry plays with a chip on his shoulder and delivers bar-stool-level banter on the course. When he’s feeling it, he’s not afraid to let you hear about it.
5. Patrick Reed
Reed talks like every round is personal. He’s always ready to stir the pot and lean into a bit of chaos if it means throwing someone off.
4. Jon Rahm
Rahm gets fiery fast and doesn’t mince words when he’s frustrated—or fired up. You can practically hear the shoulder pads crashing when he starts venting.
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3. Rickie Fowler
Rickie keeps it cool most of the time, but he’s not afraid to talk a little smack in match play settings. He does it with enough swagger to make it fun instead of foul.
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2. Collin Morikawa
Morikawa might look buttoned up, but he’s let some spicy quotes fly when he’s feeling confident. He’s got the subtle flex game down to an art.
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1. Rory McIlroy
When Rory starts talking, people listen—and sometimes flinch. He’s got the gravitas of a franchise quarterback and isn’t afraid to call out nonsense when he sees it.
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