Golf is supposed to be a humbling game. But tell that to these guys—many of whom strutted around the course like they were the main character in every round they played.
From press conference braggadocio to on-course antics, these golfers weren’t shy about letting the world know how great they thought they were. Confidence is important in golf, sure—but these players often cranked it up to 11, whether their game backed it up or not.
15. Patrick Reed
Reed has never lacked for self-belief, famously declaring himself a top-five player in the world long before his results said the same. Whether it was his Ryder Cup swagger or his sometimes prickly interviews, humility rarely made the cut.
14. Sergio Garcia
Sergio came into the spotlight as Tiger’s rival and carried himself like the sport’s chosen one for years. Even when his game went sideways, the bravado stayed perfectly aligned.
13. Ian Poulter
Poulter once said he’d be world No. 1 and win multiple majors—neither happened. But give him a Ryder Cup and a mic, and suddenly he’s Muhammad Ali in golf spikes.
12. Brooks Koepka
Koepka talks about majors like they’re casual weekend scrambles. He’s got the wins to back it up, but the cockiness can still catch you off guard.
11. Rory Sabbatini
Sabbatini is best remembered for challenging Tiger and walking ahead of playing partners mid-round. He played like he was starring in his own movie—whether the audience was watching or not.
10. David Duval
At his peak, Duval looked invincible and acted like it too. The sunglasses weren’t just for show—he played with an aura that said, “I’ve got this,” even when he didn’t.
9. Bryson DeChambeau
The self-proclaimed “scientist” of golf, Bryson treats every swing like a physics experiment—and talks about it like he just solved the sport. He’s built like a linebacker and carries the ego to match.
8. Colin Montgomerie
Monty never won a major, but you’d think he’d won ten based on how he carried himself. He was never short on confidence—and never shy about showing it.
7. Rickie Fowler
Rickie was once hyped as the next big thing and bought into it like a lifelong subscription. Even during winless stretches, his swagger stayed in full effect.
6. Vijay Singh
Singh didn’t care about popularity—he cared about dominance, and acted like he owned the range. He had the game to be confident, but his cold stare and gruff demeanor made it clear he knew he was better than you.
5. Jean Van de Velde
It takes a special kind of confidence to wade into a creek with a one-shot lead at The Open. Van de Velde’s 72nd-hole meltdown is legendary—but it wouldn’t have happened without sky-high self-belief.
4. Dustin Johnson
DJ always had a quiet confidence—maybe too quiet, like he didn’t even consider the idea of failing. That laid-back coolness masked a player who clearly believed he was untouchable.
3. Tiger Woods
Tiger’s confidence wasn’t loud—it was nuclear. He intimidated fields just by walking onto the tee, and he knew exactly what he was doing when he gave those death stares and fist pumps.
2. Phil Mickelson
Phil has long believed there’s no shot he can’t pull off, no matter the risk. That go-for-broke mindset has earned him plenty of trophies—and more than a few raised eyebrows.
Read More: The 15 Most Delusional Golfers of All Time
1. John Daly
Daly played like the rules—and common sense—didn’t apply to him. His swing, lifestyle, and wardrobe all screamed overconfidence, and he wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Read More: Ranking the 18 Golfers With the Most “Main Character Energy”
