Golf might be known for its quiet etiquette and gentlemanly traditions, but that doesn’t mean the drama stays off the course. Some players let their frustrations, rivalries, and egos simmer just beneath the surface—served up with a polite nod and a sly dig in the post-round interview.
Whether it’s pointed comments about slow play, icy handshakes, or carefully worded shade in the media, these golfers turned passive-aggression into their go-to move. From sneaky remarks to carefully timed silence, here are 10 golfers who proved you don’t have to yell to stir the pot.
10. Brooks Koepka
Koepka doesn’t waste words, but when he speaks, it usually has a bite. His jabs about Bryson’s pace of play were as dry and sharp as a desert fairway.
9. Patrick Reed
Reed’s awkward relationships with teammates and quiet finger-pointing have become legend. He rarely says anything too direct, but you always know who he’s talking about.
8. Sergio García
Sergio has made a career of smirking his way through tense moments. Whether it’s blaming equipment or rolling his eyes after missed putts, the message always comes through loud and passive-aggressively clear.
7. Luke Donald
Donald never exploded in pressers, but he had a knack for making snide, classy remarks when things didn’t go his way. If polite jabs were a stat, he’d be top 10 in the world rankings.
6. Vijay Singh
![Dec 22, 2024; Orlando, Florida, [USA]; Vijay Singh hits a shot out of a bunker on the seventh 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-2025-05-30T203157.090-1024x658.png)
Singh had a famously frosty relationship with Tiger Woods, and he never exactly hid it. His stony expressions and vague critiques did plenty of talking.
5. Ian Poulter
Poulter loves Twitter and isn’t afraid to get petty in 280 characters or less. His passive-aggressive social media game rivals his Ryder Cup intensity.
4. Zach Johnson
Zach Johnson delivers his digs with a Midwestern smile and a scripture reference. He’s not loud, but you’ll definitely hear the disappointment in his tone when someone crosses him.
3. Bryson DeChambeau
Bryson’s constant explanations about why things aren’t his fault are a masterclass in deflection. Whether it’s the course setup or his equipment, he’s got a science-based way to indirectly point fingers.
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2. Phil Mickelson
Phil’s shade is always wrapped in charm and a wink. He’ll compliment you, but you might feel insulted by the time he finishes his sentence.
Read More: 15 Golfers Who Took Everything Way Too Personally
1. Tiger Woods
Tiger doesn’t need to say much—his glare does most of the talking. But when he does speak, his subtly sarcastic tone and deliberate pauses are elite-level passive-aggression.
Read More: 15 Golfers Who Could Never Let Anything Go
