Some golfers handle competition with grace. Others? They have a long memory, a quick temper, and a flair for the dramatic.
This list celebrates the most gloriously petty golfers the sport has ever seen. From cold stares over missed handshakes to full-on feuds over course conditions, these guys made sure you knew when they felt wronged—and they weren’t afraid to let it simmer for decades.
25. Keegan Bradley
If eye-rolls and animated reactions earned strokes, Keegan might be a major champ again by now. He wears his emotions on his sleeve, especially when he thinks someone’s crossing a line.
24. Steve Elkington
Elkington chirped at players, fans, and even the media. He took trash talk to PGA Tour press conferences, never missing a chance to stir the pot.
23. Sergio Garcia
Sergio once blamed foul play on everything from his clubs to the weather to the gallery eating chips too loudly. Few golfers have turned perceived slights into such sustained drama.
22. Bryson DeChambeau
Bryson uniquely makes everything personal, from his feud with Brooks Koepka to arguing about ant hills near his ball. He approaches rule discussions like he’s auditioning for a courtroom drama.
21. Ian Poulter
Poulter never forgets a grudge, especially during Ryder Cups. Whether it’s tweets, glares, or outfit choices, he makes sure you know when he’s feeling disrespected.
20. Craig Stadler
Stadler was as fiery as they come, once throwing clubs and fuming over minor rulings. The Walrus didn’t suffer fools—or bad breaks—lightly.
19. Patrick Reed
If you’ve ever watched Reed argue with an official or explain his side of a controversy, you know he’s got a doctorate in pettiness. He treats every slight like it’s the first scene of a legal thriller.
18. Tiger Woods
Tiger kept receipts, whether it was personal slights or just someone suggesting he might not win. His legendary cold shoulder to certain rivals became part of his mental warfare.
17. Colin Montgomerie
Monty had a knack for blowing up over little things, from crowd noise to minor rules disputes. He’d glare, mutter, and complain like he was the only one playing under those harsh conditions.
16. David Duval
Duval’s aloof persona masked an intensely competitive fire that sometimes boiled over. He could get icy in a hurry if he felt disrespected or dismissed.
15. John Daly
Daly may seem chill, but cross him and he’ll air out his frustrations publicly, especially with officials or the PGA Tour. Petty with a Marlboro in hand? That’s a rare combo.
14. Brooks Koepka
Koepka doesn’t just play to win—he plays to remind you how unimpressed he is by you. His subtle digs and passive-aggressive comments have turned into low-key feuds with half the Tour.
13. Vijay Singh
Vijay’s long memory includes perceived injustices from both players and organizations. His frosty interactions and quiet contempt gave off strong “I didn’t forget” energy.
12. Justin Thomas
JT can be quick with a snap comment or a passive-aggressive gesture, especially if a fan or fellow player gets under his skin. His pettiness often hides behind a southern smile.
11. Tom Watson
Watson’s icy relationship with younger players—especially during Ryder Cup drama—proved he’s never been one for sugar-coating things. If he didn’t respect you, he’d let you feel it.
10. Paul Azinger
Zinger brought a chip on his shoulder to every rivalry, primarily when representing the U.S. He loved a good dig, especially when he thought it would get under someone’s skin.
9. Greg Norman
Norman’s list of grievances could fill a tournament program, and he’s never been shy about sharing them. His vendettas, especially off the course, have been legendary.
8. Rory Sabbatini
Sabbatini once left a playing partner mid-round because he was playing too slowly. He didn’t just hold grudges—he put them on display for all to see.
7. Payne Stewart
Stewart brought flair, fashion, and an extremely short fuse to the course. He could turn a minor slight into a full-on dramatic moment with just a glare and a tip of the cap.
6. Jack Nicklaus
Jack may be the Golden Bear, but he didn’t become a legend by playing nice. He was notoriously icy to rivals and not above some quiet gamesmanship.
5. Bubba Watson
Bubba’s mood swings and complaints about course conditions or pairings are almost part of his brand. If he’s not feeling the vibe, you’ll definitely hear about it.
4. Ben Hogan
Hogan didn’t do small talk, pleasantries, or fake friendships. His legendary coldness often came off as petty, especially regarding rivals he felt weren’t worth his time.
3. Phil Mickelson
Phil’s smile might light up a room, but his jabs are anything but friendly. He’s delivered some of golf’s most backhanded compliments and snarky pressers.
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2. Seve Ballesteros
Seve had a magical short game and a master’s degree in getting under people’s skin. He’d call out opponents mid-round, complain about etiquette, and wage psychological warfare with the best of them.
Read More: Ranking the 20 Most Controversial Golfers of All Time
1. Tom Weiskopf
Weiskopf had a short temper, a long list of complaints, and zero hesitation about calling out anything or anyone. He was the king of pettiness before Twitter ever existed.
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