Golf is often seen as a gentleman’s game, but that doesn’t mean players always get along. From fiery press conference jabs to on-course drama, some rivalries have turned downright personal.
Here are 10 golf feuds that got personal, proving that even in a sport known for its etiquette, tempers can flare.
10. Rory McIlroy vs. Patrick Reed
McIlroy and Reed have never been the best of friends, but things escalated in 2023 when Reed, fresh off his move to LIV Golf, allegedly tossed a tee at Rory after being ignored. Their beef stems from Ryder Cup battles, legal drama, and McIlroy’s open criticism of LIV players, making every interaction between them must-watch TV.
9. Sergio Garcia vs. Tiger Woods
Sergio and Tiger clashed multiple times throughout their careers, but things hit a low point in 2013 when Garcia made a racially insensitive joke about serving Woods fried chicken at a dinner. The comment drew widespread backlash, and their already-tense relationship never fully recovered.
8. Bryson DeChambeau vs. Brooks Koepka
What started as a mild annoyance turned into one of the pettiest feuds in golf history. Koepka couldn’t stand DeChambeau’s slow play and quirky approach to the game, while Bryson fired back with social media digs and on-course trolling, leading to awkward press conferences and plenty of internet memes.
7. Phil Mickelson vs. Tiger Woods (Early Years)
Tiger and Phil’s rivalry wasn’t just competitive—it was personal, especially in the early years when Tiger reportedly dismissed Mickelson as an “underachiever.” Mickelson, known for his playful digs, once gave Tiger a gift-wrapped set of golf clubs designed to help with Tiger’s short game struggles, adding fuel to the fire.
6. Vijay Singh vs. Phil Mickelson
Singh and Mickelson were never best buddies, but things escalated when Vijay accused Phil of using illegal wedges. Mickelson fired back with sarcastic remarks, and the tension between them lingered for years, making their pairings particularly awkward.
5. Tom Watson vs. Gary Player
These two legends had a long-running feud that started with accusations of cheating. Watson was never shy about calling out Player for allegedly improving his lie, leading to a frosty relationship that lasted for decades.
4. Rory McIlroy vs. Graeme McDowell
Once close friends and Ryder Cup teammates, McIlroy and McDowell had a falling out over a lawsuit involving their former management company. Legal battles and misunderstandings strained their friendship, and while they remain civil, their relationship has never been the same.
3. Ben Hogan vs. Sam Snead
Hogan and Snead were two of the best golfers of their era, but they were very different. Hogan was icy and disciplined, while Snead was more freewheeling, leading to a rivalry filled with backhanded compliments and mutual disdain.
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2. Nick Faldo vs. Greg Norman
Faldo and Norman were never close, but their feud hit its peak at the 1996 Masters when Faldo came from behind to crush Norman’s dream of a green jacket. The tension between them continued for years, with Norman taking shots at Faldo’s personality and Faldo responding with his usual dry wit.
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1. Arnold Palmer vs. Jack Nicklaus (Early Years)
Palmer and Nicklaus eventually became close friends, but in the beginning, their rivalry was personal. Palmer’s fans saw Nicklaus as a young upstart trying to dethrone their hero, leading to a contentious start before mutual respect finally brought them together.
Read More: The 30 Greatest Golfers in the History of the Sport
