Golf might be known as a gentleman’s game, but not every player is out there trying to win friends. Some golfers lean into the villain role, strutting down fairways with a smirk that says, “Go ahead and boo me—I like it.”
Whether it’s trash talk, slow-play antics, or just an overwhelming sense of self-satisfaction, these golfers never shied away from controversy. Some seemed to thrive on the spotlight, especially when it came with a side of side-eye from their peers and fans.
15. Patrick Reed
No one wears the villain badge quite like Patrick Reed, and he seems to relish every uncomfortable second of it. From rule controversies to Ryder Cup bravado, he’s fueled by the drama.
14. Sergio Garcia
Sergio always had the game, but the attitude? That was a whole other story. From spitting in cups to meltdowns on the course, he made sure nobody forgot his name, for better or worse.
13. Ian Poulter
Poulter plays golf like it’s a WWE match, complete with dramatic flair and a healthy dose of smugness. He lives for the Ryder Cup spotlight and basks in every ounce of hate from opposing fans.
12. Bryson DeChambeau
Science meets swagger with Bryson, and not everyone’s buying what he’s selling. His relentless confidence and beefs with fellow players only seem to make him more determined to stir the pot.
11. Colin Montgomerie
Monty had a knack for ruffling feathers, especially with American fans. He always acted like he was the smartest guy in the room—and wasn’t shy about letting you know it.
10. 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)
Singh kept a steely stare and a “don’t mess with me” attitude that didn’t exactly win over the masses. He didn’t just walk with confidence—he stormed every fairway like he owned it.
9. Rory Sabbatini
Sabbatini was known more for his attitude than his leaderboard finishes. He often seemed to delight in being the guy no one wanted to be paired with.
8. Brooks Koepka
Brooks talks like he’s above the game, then drops bombs to back it up. He doesn’t care if you like him—he probably likes it better if you don’t.
7. Tommy Bolt
Old-school bravado came naturally to Bolt, who brought a fiery, showboating edge to the course. He was a crowd-splitting character before it became cool.
6. Matt Every
He had a swagger that never quite matched his stats, but that didn’t stop him from acting like the coolest guy at the country club. His interviews were full of shade and confidence.
5. Paul Azinger
Azinger loved the mental game just as much as the physical one—and he wasn’t afraid to get inside your head. His tough talk and even tougher demeanor rubbed plenty of people the wrong way.
4. Robert Allenby
Allenby always seemed a little too pleased with himself, no matter how things were going on the course. His combative style made him a lightning rod for criticism, and he didn’t seem to mind at all.
3. Gary Player
Player was never afraid to tell you just how hard he worked—or how much better he was because of it. Confidence turned to cockiness more than a few times, and he always owned it.
Read More: 15 Players Who Were Born to Be Tennis Villains
2. Greg Norman
The Shark’s smirk was as famous as his swing, and he wore his ego like a designer suit. Fans either loved him or loved to hate him—and he didn’t care which it was.
Read More: 15 Golfers Who Took Everything Way Too Personally
1. Tiger Woods
No one changed golf’s culture quite like Tiger, and no one embraced the target on his back quite like him either. His icy focus and total dominance made him seem untouchable, and he thrived on that energy.
Read More: Ranking the 20 Most Petulant Golfers of All Time
