Golf is supposed to be the gentleman’s game—quiet, respectful, and dignified. But now and then, a player comes along who manages to throw a wrench in that whole “tradition” thing by being just a little too loud, too smug, too slow, or just plain irritating.
Whether they rubbed fans the wrong way, ticked off their playing partners, or were just a constant presence on every highlight reel for all the wrong reasons, these guys found a way to get under the sport’s skin. From over-the-top antics to endless rules drama, these golfers mastered the art of being annoying—and wore it like a green jacket.
17. Sergio Garcia
He’s talented, no doubt, but Sergio’s temper tantrums made him hard to root for. The club throwing, bunker digging, and on-course whining didn’t help his image.
16. Patrick Reed
There’s always drama when Reed’s around, and it’s usually not the fun kind. Between rules controversies and general smugness, he’s become golf’s ultimate villain.
15. Bryson DeChambeau
The scientist of golf turned heads with his bulked-up body and endless calculations. But his slow play and constant explanations of air density made him exhausting to watch.
14. Ian Poulter
He lives for the Ryder Cup and lets everyone know it—loudly. Poulter’s cockiness and over-the-top reactions rub plenty of fans the wrong way.
13. Brooks Koepka
For a guy who claims not to care, he sure talks a lot. The endless jabs at other players and his too-cool-for-school attitude can get old fast.
12. Kevin Na
Watching him walk in on a putt is fun the first time. But when his pre-shot routine takes forever, even his fans start to lose patience.
11. Bubba Watson
He’s got all the talent in the world, but he doesn’t exactly win the popularity contest. Complaints, blow-ups, and awkward interviews became part of his brand.
10. Colin Montgomerie
Monty was a great player with a famously short fuse. His grumpy demeanor and constant complaining didn’t exactly endear him to American crowds.
9. Vijay Singh
Vijay’s intensity was legendary, but so was his coldness. He was never one for charm, and his frequent friction with the media didn’t help.
8. Rory Sabbatini
Known for bizarre behavior and a few verbal spats, Sabbatini was unpredictable in all the worst ways. Teammates and opponents alike often found him hard to deal with.
7. Phil Mickelson
Yes, he’s beloved by many, but not everyone buys the whole “man of the people” act. Between the gambling stories and LIV drama, the Lefty love isn’t exactly universal.
6. Jordan Spieth
Spieth’s constant self-talk and back-and-forth with his caddie can make a round feel like a therapy session. It’s excellent for mic’d-up moments, but less significant when you want to watch golf.
5. J.B. Holmes
His painfully slow pace of play became a running joke among tour players. If you’ve ever watched a final round with Holmes, you probably aged a few years in the process.
4. Rory McIlroy
He’s always in the news, whether it’s for taking a stand, taking a jab, or taking a fall on Sunday. At some point, the nonstop coverage and strong opinions get a little tiresome.
3. John Daly
The pants, the cigarettes, the Diet Cokes—it’s a lot. Daly’s circus act sometimes overshadows his actual golf game.
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2. Tiger Woods
![Dec 21, 2024; Orlando, Florida, [USA]; Tiger Woods tees off on the fifth hole during the PNC Championship at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images](https://thequickreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Untitled-design-2025-05-30T204236.213-1024x658.png)
Look, he’s the GOAT—but the icy stare, media control, and dominance rubbed a lot of rivals the wrong way. Fans adored him, but behind the ropes, it wasn’t all fist pumps and high-fives.
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1. Patrick Cantlay
His golf game is elite. But his glacial pace of play and complete lack of expression make every round feel like a slow-moving documentary on grass growing.
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