Golf is often viewed as a gentleman’s game, full of decorum, hushed crowds, and polite claps. But let’s be real—sometimes the fairways are more drama-filled than a reality show reunion, and a few pros have made a name for themselves not just with their clubs, but with their outbursts, eye-rolls, and legendary sulks.
From tossed clubs to testy interviews, these golfers didn’t always keep their cool under pressure. Whether they were firing caddies, jawing with fans, or just throwing a fit because the wind dared to blow, these are the 20 most petulant golfers to stomp the links.
20. Patrick Cantlay
He plays slow and speaks slower, which somehow makes his moments of snippy behavior hit even harder. Cantlay can get oddly defensive when pressed, as if every question is an accusation.
19. Sergio Garcia
Sergio’s had more tantrums than titles, from spitting in cups to whacking bunkers with his club. He’s toned it down over time, but those early years were a whirlwind of whining and wedging.
18. Rory Sabbatini
This guy once got so annoyed with Ben Crane’s pace of play that he walked ahead to the next hole without him. His fiery attitude has left him feuding with opponents and occasionally fans.
17. Ian Poulter
Poulter walks around like every event is his catwalk, and heaven forbid anyone doubt his greatness. His social media rants and frosty Ryder Cup rivalries keep his petulance rating high.
16. Robert Allenby
Whether blaming mysterious kidnappers or accusing caddies of sabotage, Allenby’s outbursts always felt like the golf version of “the dog ate my homework.” His drama rarely stayed on course.
15. Kevin Na
Na’s legendary pre-shot routines are enough to drive anyone mad, including himself. He’s had moments where he looked ready to throw a fit just for pulling the wrong club.
14. John Daly
Daly is more infamous for his meltdowns than his majors at this point. Between club tosses, on-course withdrawals, and confrontations, he’s golf’s lovable but endlessly moody wildcard.
13. Bryson DeChambeau
Whether he’s blaming the wind, his driver, or “the science,” Bryson has never met a situation he couldn’t overanalyze or complain about. He’s a one-person physics experiment with a short fuse.
12. Keegan Bradley
Bradley’s intense pre-shot mannerisms are matched only by his hypersensitive reactions to criticism. He often looks like a bad bounce away from challenging the ball to a fight.
11. Tommy Armour III
A decent golfer, sure, but a guy who could get dramatic when things didn’t go his way. His on-course reactions were sometimes so theatrical you’d think he was auditioning for Broadway.
10. Henrik Stenson
Stenson may seem calm, but his club snaps and glares tell another story. His temper has a flair for the dramatic, often leaving spectators wondering what just happened.
9. Brooks Koepka
Koepka carries himself like he’s above it all—until he’s not. His passive-aggressive press conferences and thinly veiled digs at fellow players scream, “I’m not mad, I’m just disappointed.”
8. Tommy Bolt
Nicknamed “Thunder,” Bolt was known for launching clubs into the sky like he was trying to send them into orbit. He might’ve had talent, but patience was never his strong suit.
7. Colin Montgomerie
Monty was a walking thundercloud whenever things didn’t go his way. Fans, officials, photographers—everyone got a taste of his trademark scowl at some point.
6. Bubba Watson
Bubba has blamed everything from his caddie to the course design for his woes. For a guy with so much creativity, he sure struggles when life doesn’t follow his script.
5. Tiger Woods
Yes, he’s the GOAT—but that doesn’t mean he didn’t have his moments. Club slams, icy glares, and muttered tirades were all part of Tiger’s early-days package.
4. Seve Ballesteros
Seve was a legend with flair and a flair for the dramatic. Whether arguing rulings or pouting after missed shots, he could be as fiery as he was brilliant.
3. Vijay Singh
Singh’s icy demeanor and refusal to let grudges die make him one of his era’s most quietly volatile players. He often let his frustrations bubble just under the surface—until they didn’t.
2. Tony Jacklin
Jacklin had a knack for looking miserable if a shot didn’t go as planned. His combination of sulking and sarcastic self-talk made for some of golf’s most entertaining grumps.
Read More: The 15 Most Delusional Golfers of All Time
1. Nick Faldo
Faldo could slice through tension with a smirk and a snarky remark. Behind the composed exterior was a player known for cold shoulders, cutting comments, and elite-level sulking when things weren’t perfect.
Read More: 10 Golfers Known for Their Work Ethic, Not the Headlines
