Golf is often described as a gentleman’s calm, quiet, and refined game. But occasionally, a player steps onto the course acting like every missed putt and offhand comment is a personal attack.
These guys hold grudges like trophies and treat rivalries like Shakespearean feuds. From press conference jabs to icy stares over a bad bounce, these golfers made drama feel like part of the scorecard.
15. Rory Sabbatini
Sabbatini played with a chip on his shoulder that was so big it practically had a caddie. He once got so fed up with a playing partner’s pace that he walked ahead and finished the hole by himself.
14. Patrick Reed
If there’s a slight, real or imagined, you better believe Reed’s already filed it under “Reasons I’m Right.” His sense of being perpetually misunderstood has fueled both controversy and success.
13. Ian Poulter
Poulter treats criticism like it’s a bunker he can’t escape. Whether it’s fan comments or ranking debates, he rarely lets anything slide without a comeback.
12. Sergio Garcia
Sergio’s had more feuds than some entire sports leagues. From slamming clubs to blaming everything but the weather, he’s never been one to let things roll off his back.
11. Keegan Bradley
Bradley got so fired up over the rules disagreement that it became an actual shouting match. If someone even raises an eyebrow at him, he’s ready for a full-blown defense.
10. 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)
Vijay never forgot a slight, especially from the PGA Tour. He spent years airing grievances; even legal battles couldn’t cool the fire.
9. 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)
Tiger may have been a stone-cold competitor, but he took everything personally behind those shades. From media critiques to on-course slights, he used every comment as fuel—and revenge.
8. Paul Azinger
Azinger didn’t just want to beat you—he wanted to prove a point. He kept mental scorecards of disrespect like they were majors.
7. Bryson DeChambeau
Bryson would take it annually if golf had a “most sensitive scientist” award. He’s been known to spiral over perceived slights from fans, media, and fellow players.
6. Colin Montgomerie
Monty made every Ryder Cup feel like war and every heckle sound like an insult to his family. You couldn’t even mispronounce his name without catching an icy glare.
5. Brooks Koepka
Koepka has a low-key smolder that turns volcanic if you doubt him. He rarely forgets a critic and has surgically precision-turned public skepticism into press conference snark.
4. Steve Elkington
Elkington brought the receipts—literally. He’d go after critics and fellow pros with barbs that felt more personal than professional.
3. Seve Ballesteros
Seve treated competition like combat and never let a perceived slight go unaddressed. Every match was a mission, and every opponent was someone to dismantle mentally.
2. Phil Mickelson
Phil smiles through the drama but takes everything personally behind the scenes. Whether it’s LIV Golf, Ryder Cup drama, or media jabs, he’s got a long memory and an even longer grudge list.
Read More: The 25 Most Petty Golfers of All Time
1. Tom Watson
Watson had a stoic exterior, but underneath, he took perceived disrespect like a dagger to the heart. He carried feuds for decades and never forgave a lack of etiquette.
Read More: 10 Retired Golfers Who Left the Game with Dignity and Grace
