Golf is full of tradition, etiquette, and… some seriously weird nicknames. While some are iconic and make perfect sense, others leave us wondering if they were the result of an inside joke, a lost bet, or just a moment of pure randomness.
From monikers that sound like cartoon villains to ones that feel like they belong in a completely different sport, these golfer nicknames have us raising our eyebrows. Here are 18 of the most head-scratching nicknames in the golf world, ranked from odd to outright confusing.
18. The Big Easy
Ernie Els is a legend, but “The Big Easy” sounds more like a laid-back jazz bar than a golfing great. We get the smooth swing reference, but the nickname feels like it was plucked from a travel brochure.
17. Aquaman
Gary Woodland once hit a shot from the water, and someone (somewhere) decided that made him Aquaman. Cool moment, but not exactly a nickname that’s followed him like a ripple. Unless he’s secretly fighting crime underwater, we’re not convinced.
16. Popeye
Craig Parry was known as “Popeye” because of his forearms, but that’s still a stretch. It’s like someone saw him flex once and never let it go.
15. Radar
Wayne Riley’s nickname is “Radar,” which honestly sounds like he should be tracking storm systems. We assume it means he’s good with club distances, but we’re still confused.
14. Spaceman
Sam Torrance got tagged as “Spaceman,” and we still have no idea what planet that came from. Unless he’s secretly an astronaut, the name doesn’t quite land.
13. Boom Boom
Fred Couples is “Boom Boom,” which sounds like he should be in a ’90s boy band. It’s memorable, sure, but not exactly what you’d expect on the PGA Tour.
12. The Mechanic
Miguel Ángel Jiménez is called “The Mechanic,” and while it sounds tough, he’s never actually fixed a car mid-round. It’s a mysterious blend of suave and socket wrenches.
11. Kooch
Matt Kuchar’s nickname “Kooch” is just… uncomfortable. It doesn’t sound flattering, and hearing fans chant it is always a little jarring.
10. Peaches
Davis Love III being called “Peaches” is one of golf’s greatest mysteries. It feels like a nickname you’d give your grandma’s cat, not a Ryder Cup captain.
9. The Tower of Terror
Thomas Pieters is tall, but “Tower of Terror” feels like a roller coaster, not a golf swing. We’re guessing it’s meant to be intimidating, but it mostly just makes us think of theme parks.
8. Shrek
Colin Montgomerie got stuck with “Shrek,” and it’s as random as it sounds. Sure, he’s stocky and Scottish, but that’s a wild leap to a green ogre.
7. Porky
There’s no real evidence Phil Harrison ever went by “Porky.” Maybe someone confused him with Ed “Porky” Oliver, a totally different golfer from the 1940s. Either way, it’s more insult than insight.
6. The Scientist
Bryson DeChambeau calls himself “The Scientist,” which would be fine if this were chemistry class. On the golf course, it just makes every swing feel like a physics experiment.
5. Beef
Andrew Johnston goes by “Beef,” and while he leans into it, it’s still a head-scratcher. Sounds more like a guy running a BBQ than teeing off at The Open.
4. Long John
John Daly earned the name “Long John” for his monster drives, but it also sounds like a pirate or a breakfast donut. The double meaning is distracting.
3. Jiggy
Jesper had style: bold colors, flipped caps, flair for days. But “Jiggy”? If that was ever real, it vanished along with low-rise jeans and Will Smith singles.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Coolest Nicknames in Golf
2. The Walrus
Craig Stadler, being called “The Walrus” because of his mustache and build, is… a choice. Animal comparisons rarely go well, and this one definitely makes us tilt our heads.
Read More: 15 Golf Nicknames That Sound Like They Belong in a Cartoon
1. All Day
Anthony Kim being called “All Day” is as vague as it gets. It’s cool, but vague — and not tied to any known AK quote or moment, and that somehow makes it even more confusing.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Funniest Nicknames in Golf
