Golf may seem like a gentleman’s game, but it’s had its fair share of villains over the years. Whether it was because of a controversial decision, a frosty personality, or just winning a little too much, some golfers have found themselves on the receiving end of boos, eye rolls, and internet rants.
From legends who rubbed people the wrong way to modern stars who divided locker rooms and fans alike, this list runs down the most vilified golfers the sport has ever seen. Love them or hate them, these players have all stirred the pot in one way or another.
16. Bryson DeChambeau
The self-proclaimed “scientist” of golf took a unique approach to the game that didn’t sit well with traditionalists. Combine that with a few awkward soundbites and slow play complaints, and Bryson quickly became a polarizing figure.
15. Patrick Cantlay
Cantlay isn’t flashy, but his glacial pace of play has driven players and viewers alike absolutely nuts. He’s quietly managed to rack up more resentment than some guys with twice the controversies.
14. Ian Poulter
Poulter has always had that chip-on-his-shoulder energy that screams “love me or hate me.” While he was a Ryder Cup hero for Europe, his fiery personality and brash interviews often rubbed opponents and fans the wrong way.
13. Colin Montgomerie
Monty had a game that could dominate, but his temper and interactions with fans often overshadowed his talent. He was especially unpopular in the U.S., where crowds seemed to delight in heckling him.
12. Vijay Singh
Despite being an incredible talent, Singh’s reputation took a hit due to accusations and a perceived icy demeanor. He was never one to charm the media or fans, which didn’t help his case in the popularity department.
11. Greg Norman
Norman was never afraid to speak his mind, and that rubbed some people the wrong way. His role in LIV Golf only added fuel to the fire for those who already had mixed feelings about the Shark.
10. Bubba Watson
Bubba has always been a bit of an enigma—wildly talented but not always beloved by his peers. Stories about his behavior and attitude on and off the course didn’t do him many favors in the court of public opinion.
9. Phil Mickelson
Lefty was once the people’s champ, but recent years have been a roller coaster. His involvement with LIV and some eyebrow-raising comments turned a fan favorite into a lightning rod for criticism.
8. Brooks Koepka
Koepka never seemed too interested in playing the media game or pretending to care about non-majors. His confidence sometimes teetered into cockiness, and his feud with Bryson only added to the drama.
7. Sergio Garcia
Garcia always wore his emotions on his sleeve, which didn’t exactly win him a lot of fans. His outbursts, feuds, and club-slamming antics made him a target for criticism throughout his career.
6. John Daly
Daly was a walking contradiction—wildly popular with fans but endlessly frustrating to purists. His antics, lifestyle, and constant drama made him a divisive figure in golf for decades.
5. Tiger Woods
Tiger’s dominance and guarded personality made him a hero to many but a villain to others. His personal scandals only added to the complex relationship fans have had with him over the years.
4. Rory Sabbatini
Sabbatini never really held back, whether he was calling out fellow players or just being flat-out difficult. His abrasive attitude made him a frequent name on players’ and fans’ least-favorite lists.
3. Dustin Johnson
Cool, calm, and…kind of detached? Johnson’s laid-back approach, combined with off-course rumors and his move to LIV Golf, led many to view him with suspicion or outright dislike.
2. Greg Chalmers
Chalmers didn’t have a laundry list of scandals, but his constant chirping and odd social media presence rubbed a lot of people the wrong way. He became a bit of a cult villain in certain corners of the golf world.
1. Patrick Reed
Reed has been at the center of more rules controversies than most golfers have hot meals. Add in his chilly relationships with teammates and a seemingly constant chip on his shoulder, and you’ve got one of the sport’s most disliked figures.
Read more: Golfers who were basically villains and loved it, Golfers who were born to be country club villains
