Golf may be known as the gentleman’s game, but that doesn’t mean every player follows the etiquette handbook. From volatile tempers and off-course chaos to egos the size of Augusta, these golfers raised more red flags than a bad Tinder date.
Whether it was drama with the media, feuds with fellow players, or just flat-out bizarre behavior, these guys found a way to stir things up. Buckle up for a walk down fairways littered with warning signs, because these 15 golfers were waving red flags from the first tee.
15. Bryson DeChambeau
He turned heads with his bulked-up physique, but his attitude often did the same for all the wrong reasons. From public spats to endless rules debates, Bryson doesn’t always play nice with others.
14. Sergio Garcia
Known for his elite ball-striking, Sergio also became known for his meltdowns and messy moments. Whether slamming clubs or whining about courses, he rarely kept things cool under pressure.
13. Rory Sabbatini
Talented? Absolutely. However, his tendency to rub people the wrong way made him a magnet for awkward pairings and locker room side glances.
12. Patrick Reed
If there’s a rulebook, Reed’s probably been accused of bending it. Toss in a trail of teammates and critics he’s clashed with, and you’ve got a walking controversy.
11. John Daly
He’s lovable in a trainwreck kind of way, but Daly’s lifestyle was more Vegas than Pebble Beach. Cigarettes on the green and Diet Cokes before noon? Yeah, that’s a few flags waving.
10. Tiger Woods
On the course, a legend. Off the course, his personal life unraveled into one headline after another that had even casual fans doing double takes.
9. Ian Poulter
The flashy outfits were one thing, but his over-the-top bravado had people rolling their eyes more than cheering. When confidence turns to cockiness, the red flags start flying.
8. Anthony Kim
Kim had the talent and swagger to match, but his sudden disappearance left fans scratching their heads. Rumors and mystery surrounded him like a cloud of unanswered texts.
7. Bubba Watson
He could shape shots like a magician, but his behavior could be a different story. Between complaints about courses and cold shoulders to fans, he didn’t exactly scream “team player.”
6. Robert Allenby
From bizarre post-round stories to odd public incidents, Allenby’s off-course life was a walking tabloid. Things always seemed just a little off when he was around.
5. Vijay Singh
Vijay was ice-cold under pressure, and not in a good way. Between cheating allegations and an aloof attitude, he wasn’t exactly winning Mr. Congeniality on tour.
4. Steve Pate
Nicknamed “The Volcano,” and not because he liked to vacation in Hawaii. His temper was infamous, and if things weren’t going well, you’d know it—loud and clear.
3. Craig Stadler
He may have looked cuddly, but his antics weren’t always so warm. A bit gruff and not afraid to speak his mind, Stadler gave off strong “you’ve been warned” energy.
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2. Seve Ballesteros
A genius with the short game, but not always a favorite in the locker room. His intensity and occasional gamesmanship rubbed more than a few people the wrong way.
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1. Nick Faldo
Cool and composed on the outside, but behind the scenes, Faldo had a rep for being icy and self-absorbed. For all his success, many couldn’t wait to get out of his pairing group.
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