Golf may be known as a gentleman’s game, but that doesn’t mean it’s always been polite. Over the years, a few players have stirred the pot, ruffled feathers, or flat-out set the sport ablaze with drama both on and off the course.
From slow-play spats to epic rules debates and, yes, a few scandals that made front-page news, these are the golfers who got people talking for all the wrong—or sometimes wildly entertaining—reasons. Whether they were misunderstood, outspoken, or couldn’t help stepping in it, they made golf just a little more dramatic.
20. Vijay Singh
Singh made headlines early in his career with a suspension over a rules controversy and has remained a polarizing figure ever since. He’s an incredible talent, but his icy demeanor and issues with the PGA Tour haven’t exactly helped his rep.
19. Sergio Garcia
Sergio’s talent has never been in question, but his behavior has been another story. From spitting in cups to smashing clubs, he’s had more than his share of temper tantrums.
18. Gary Player
A legend of the game, yes, but not without his eyebrow-raising moments. His outspoken views on a wide range of topics, from politics to health products, have made him a target for heated commentary.
17. Patrick Cantlay
Cantlay’s pace of play has made him a lightning rod in recent years. For a guy who rarely shows emotion, he sure brings out a lot of it in others.
16. Brooks Koepka
Whether it’s his passive-aggressive shots at fellow players or his open disdain for traditional golf culture, Koepka keeps the drama simmering. He plays it cool, but there’s always something boiling beneath the surface.
15. Phil Mickelson
Lefty went from beloved fan favorite to headline machine after his involvement with LIV Golf and questionable financial entanglements. He’s still smiling, but there’s a lot more to that grin these days.
14. Bubba Watson
Bubba’s quirks made him lovable to some and grating to others. Between caddie blowups and awkward interviews, he’s always been a wildcard.
13. Ian Poulter
Poulter has never shied away from a confrontation, especially when it comes to Ryder Cup banter. His flashy style and vocal support of LIV Golf made him a tabloid regular.
12. Craig Stadler
Known as “The Walrus,” Stadler found himself at the center of one of the strangest rules controversies in golf history when he used a towel to kneel on during a shot. That towel cost him a two-shot penalty—and a lot of public debate.
11. Bryson DeChambeau
DeChambeau’s scientific approach to the game and clashes with players like Brooks Koepka made him a walking drama magnet. He hits bombs and drops hot takes—what more could golf chaos fans want?
10. Colin Montgomerie
Monty had a knack for getting under the skin of fans and fellow players. His frequent interactions with the media only added fuel to his already fiery reputation.
9. Robert Allenby
Allenby’s bizarre tale of being kidnapped in Hawaii turned into one of the strangest sagas in golf. The details never quite lined up, and the fallout lingered for years.
8. Rory Sabbatini
Sabbatini is known as much for his confrontations as his competitive fire. He once dropped out of the tournament mid-round and later represented Slovakia in the Olympics after a curious nationality switch.
7. John Daly
Daly lived life out loud, with all the highs and lows on full display. From wild parties to gambling issues, he was golf’s ultimate rock star—and occasional trainwreck.
6. Dustin Johnson
Johnson’s career has been dotted with mysterious suspensions and off-course rumors. He keeps winning, but the whispers never quite go away.
5. Steve Elkington
Elkington’s social media presence quickly became controversial, with a string of tweets that crossed the line. He found himself in hot water more than once for his offhand remarks.
4. Jordan Spieth
Yes, Spieth makes this list not for scandal, but for the sheer volume of rules questions and “gray area” moments that seem to follow him around. He plays by the book, but that book sure gets a workout.
3. Tiger Woods
No golfer’s fall from grace was more public or more dramatic. From the cheating scandal to the car crash to his incredible comeback, Tiger’s life has been one long rollercoaster.
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2. Greg Norman
Norman has always been a divisive figure, and his role in founding LIV Golf took things to a whole new level. He’s the face of golf’s biggest schism, and proud of it.
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1. Patrick Reed
No one courts controversy quite like Patrick Reed. Whether it’s rules violations, family feuds, or frosty interactions with teammates, he’s the lightning rod that golf just can’t quit.
