Golf is known for its sportsmanship and etiquette, but not every golfer is a warm and fuzzy handshake machine. Some players have earned reputations for being aloof, distant, or just flat-out hard to read—even if they were wildly talented.
These 15 golfers, for better or worse, brought a healthy dose of standoffish energy to the course. Whether it was cold interviews, frosty rivalries, or just an overall aura of “leave me alone,” these guys weren’t exactly handing out smiles with their scorecards.
15. Retief Goosen
Goosen let his clubs do the talking, and his silence was often louder than words. A brilliant player, but rarely the guy to chat it up on the walk between shots.
14. 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’s laser-focused demeanor never really screamed “fan favorite.” He played like a machine and often appeared to prefer it that way.
13. Patrick Reed
Never one to seek approval, Reed seems more comfortable with tension than camaraderie. His vibe can be described as confidently detached.
12. Ben Hogan
Hogan was all about precision, privacy, and keeping his circle tight. Golf was a serious business to him, not a social hour.
11. Rory Sabbatini
Never shy about ruffling feathers, Sabbatini’s icy interactions with peers didn’t go unnoticed. If there was tension in the group, he probably wasn’t losing sleep over it.
10. Brooks Koepka
Brooks doesn’t fake friendliness and rarely sugarcoats his thoughts. He’s got a poker face that reads “this is a job, not a reunion.”
9. Steve Elkington
Elkington was known for having strong opinions and not being overly concerned with how they landed. He could be prickly even on the best of days.
8. Hale Irwin
A fiery competitor who wasn’t afraid to let his emotions show—don’t expect a warm embrace afterward. He often came across as more intense than inviting.
7. Bruce Lietzke
Known for his laid-back lifestyle off the course, Lietzke could come off as distant or indifferent when it came to tournament hustle. He gave off major “keep it casual, not close” energy.
6. Bryson DeChambeau
The scientist of golf, Bryson, tends to operate in his analytical bubble. Connecting with fans or fellow players never seemed like a top priority.
5. Curtis Strange
Strange had a reputation for being blunt and occasionally bristly with the media. That old-school tough-guy persona didn’t exactly scream approachable.
4. Davis Love III
Love’s smooth game didn’t always translate into warm interactions. He often gave off an air of polite distance, rarely letting anyone fully in.
3. Colin Montgomerie
Monty’s relationship with fans, especially those in the United States, was complicated. His frustration often bubbled over, giving him a chilly presence on the course.
Read More: 15 Golfers Who Couldn’t Handle the Tiger Era
2. Nick Faldo
![Dec 21, 2024; Orlando, Florida, [USA]; Nick Faldo tees off during the PNC Championship at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images](https://thequickreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Untitled-design-2025-06-03T065642.748-1024x658.png)
Faldo was a master tactician who didn’t make many friends during his competitive days. Focused and frosty, he wasn’t out there trying to win personality contests.
Read More: 15 Golfers Who Took Everything Way Too Personally
1. Tiger Woods
Tiger’s intensity was unmatched, but so was his emotional wall. At his peak, he created an atmosphere where even making eye contact felt like a risk, not exactly the kind of guy who would strike up casual chit-chat.
Read More: 10 Retired Golfers Who Left the Game with Dignity and Grace
