Who Are The Most Disliked Golfers Of All Time – Top 11

by Alvin Daniel
Who Are the Most Disliked Golfers

Golf is a game that, although competitive, is usually enjoyed by all who partake in it. However, there are some golfers who have proven to be unpopular with other players and fans alike due to their on-course behavior, off-course conduct or controversies they’ve been involved in throughout their careers. We take a look at the top 10 most disliked golfers in 2023 and explore the reasons why they have become so unpopular.

 

Patrick Reed

the Most Disliked Golfers

Patrick Reed

Patrick Reed, also known as Captain America, turned professional in 2011 at the age of 20. He boasts a commendable record of 9 professional wins on the PGA Tour and has achieved a career-high ranking of 6. Reed clinched victory at the 2018 Masters and is a stalwart of Team USA, often considered the team’s top-performing player. He has represented the United States in both Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup team competitions, serving as the leading charge against European opponents.

Reasons why he is disliked

There are several reasons why Patrick Reed is not well-liked in the world of professional golf. For starters, he has a reputation for being dishonest. Throughout his career, Reed has been at the center of multiple rules controversies, including incidents dating back to his days in college golf. Reed has been heavily scrutinized for infractions, such as improving his lie by moving sand behind his ball, and he has been criticized for his initial response to these controversies.

Besides, Reed’s relationship with his family and his behavior towards them has raised concerns. Despite asking security to escort his parents out of the 2014 U.S. Open, Reed’s family has continued to attend tournaments where he played. This, coupled with his estrangement from his parents, has led many to view him as cold and unsympathetic.

All in all, while Reed’s skill on the golf course is undeniable, his actions and behavior outside of it have contributed to a less than favorable view of him by many in the golfing community.

 

Bubba Watson

Who Are the Most Disliked Golfers of all time

Bubba Watson

Bubba Watson is an American professional golfer and two-time Masters champion, two major Championship, and has a total of 12 PGA Tour wins. He’s been ranked as high as number 2 in the world and has 8 PGA Tour victories to his name. He was also considered as one of the longest drivers. Watson has also represented his country on multiple occasions, including four Ryder Cup teams, two Presidents Cups, and the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Reasons why he is disliked

Bubba Watson, despite being an active participant in charitable organizations, Watson has not made himself very popular due to several factors.

The first reason is his unconventional attack style, which does not sit well with many fans, and the fact that he refused to participate in the Long Drive Contest before a major tournament even though he is one of the longest hitters in golf.

The second reason is his poor attitude towards his caddie, Ted Scott. During one game, Watson treated Scott abysmally, like a broken tee, by complaining about everything from ball placement to weather. He even made Ted tee up a ball for him, so he wouldn’t get wet in the rain.

In the third reason, ESPN.com published the results of a survey that it conducted, which revealed that 23 out of the 103 tour pros who were surveyed said that they would be least likely to help Watson in any capacity. Also, Watson was voted as one of the least-liked players on the PGA Tour, earning him a poor reputation among his peers.

Despite being an active philanthropist, Watson’s behavior and actions on the course have earned him much unpopularity and negativity among the golfing community.

 

Tiger Woods

who are the most disliked golfers on the pga tour

Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods is the most famous and successful golfer in history. He has won 15 majors, 82 PGA Tour events, 41 Europe Tours, and 4 FedEx Cup championships. He was once the No. 1 ranked golfer in the world, and he has been a major contributor to the growth of professional golf since his debut on the scene in 1997.

Reasons why he is disliked

Despite these contributors and his talent in golf, that’s a pity to list Tiger Wood on this topic. The reality is that he has earned a reputation as one of the most disliked golfers of all time due to several reasons.

Firstly, this is his off-the-course activities, which have resulted in public ridicule and embarrassment over the years. In 2009, Woods was involved in a very public cheating scandal with multiple women, which damaged his reputation severely and led to a sharp decline in his endorsements.

Another reason for Tiger’s unpopularity is his on-the-course behavior. He has been known to act out when things don’t go his way, such as throwing clubs or swearing after bad shots. He even was arrested for reckless road behavior influenced by drugs and alcohol. This kind of behavior is frowned upon by many in the golfing community, and it has certainly not helped his popularity.

Additionally, the way he’s treated other players on the course is also an issue. He has often been accused of being overly aggressive with younger players or hitting another player’s line. Even with his fans, he considered his fan as non-existent and didn’t care much about them.

Read more: Best Irons for Mid Handicap Golfers in 2023

 

Ian Poulter

Who Are the Most Disliked Golfers

Ian Poulter

Ian Poulter has won 13 international tournaments in his career, ranked in the top 5 in the world rankings. He has represented Europe in the Ryder Cup on four occasions, and he was also part of the winning British team at the 2016 Olympics.

Reasons why he is disliked

Ian Poulter, despite his accomplishments, has garnered a significant amount of dislike from golf enthusiasts. One contributing factor is his playing style, which is often criticized as arrogant and overly aggressive. Poulter has been known to badger his opponents during play and make controversial comments about fellow players during interviews.

His behavior toward marshals and fans has been described as fairly poor and disrespectful. It’s possible that his nationality has contributed to some of the animosity directed towards him, particularly from some Americans who even described him as a “douchebag.”

 

Phil Mickelson

the Most Disliked Golfers

Phil Mickelson

Phil Mickelson has won 45 PGA Tour events comprising 6 major championships, 2 PGA Championships, and 1 Open Championship. People call him Lefty because he is a left-handed golfer. He is the oldest player to have achieved a world number-one ranking, and he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2012.

Reasons why he is disliked

Phil Mickelson is a highly opinionated individual who has a proclivity for making controversial statements that tend to anger fans throughout the course of a season.

Not helping matters is his reputation for whining and faking a smile while on the course, which only reinforces his negative image among fans. Despite his attempts to appear genuine, his actions are sometimes viewed as orchestrated and over-the-top. These qualities make it difficult for fans to relate to him and appreciate all he does for the sport.

Nevertheless, there is another side to Mickelson, one where he is seen going out of his way to create time for his family and doing good deeds, such as pulling up a chair for Jon Rahm’s wife and newborn son. However, haters are always hard to convince regardless of anything he does, even though many people consider him as more and more pretense.

 

Rory Sabbatini

Who Are the Most Disliked Golfers of all time

Rory Sabbatini

Rory Sabbatini is a South African-born professional golfer who has won 6 PGA tours. He was once ranked in the world’s top 10 and won the Silver medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics.

Reasons why he is disliked

Rory Sabbatini, a 32-year-old South African golfer, has found himself at the center of controversy on multiple occasions. He has a tendency to be arrogant and rude, and he has frequently clashed with other players on the PGA Tour.

In fact, a survey by Sports Illustrated revealed that 25 percent of pros polled named Sabbatini as their least favorite playing partner. Sabbatini has also been known to lose his temper, which has resulted in penalties from the PGA. His split with his ex-wife and subsequent revelations about his behavior have further damaged his reputation.

 

Bryson DeChambeau

who are the most disliked golfers on the pga tour

Bryson DeChambeau

Bryson DeChambeau is known for his scientific approach to golf and use of advanced technology, such as laser rangefinders and high-speed cameras. He boasts eight PGA Tour victories, including the 2020 U.S. Open at Winged Foot Golf Club and one major championship. In 2020, he earned the distinction of being the longest driver on the tour.

Reasons why he is disliked

Bryson DeChambeau’s performance on the golf course has been marked by his exceptional ability to hit the ball an impressive distance. However, despite his accomplishments, DeChambeau has faced backlash for his actions and perceived personality traits.

Specifically, he has been criticized for his slow play on the course and has been known to engage in feuds with fellow golfers such as Brooks Koepka. In addition, DeChambeau’s recent decision to join a Saudi-backed rival league has caused controversy in the golf community.

As a result, DeChambeau has received significant criticism, with some people labeling him as rude, loud, and pretentious.

 

Vijay Singh

Who Are the Most Disliked Golfers

Vijay Singh

Having won 34 PGA Tour events, including three major championships, one Masters (2000), and two PGA Championships and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2006, Vijay Singh currently ranks as one of the most successful golfers of all time.

Reasons why he is disliked

Vijay Singh’s unpopularity is largely attributed to his unapproachable demeanor and aloofness. Despite having a long-standing caddy, he fails to exchange greetings with him in the morning before play. His stern attitude and open displeasure towards the press have further added to his aversion. Moreover, his cheating scandal in his early years as a struggling professional has affected his reputation.

However, his relentless and focused practice sessions lasting for hours and hours attest to his deep respect and commitment to the game of golf.

 

Sergio Garcia

the Most Disliked Golfers

Sergio Garcia

Sergio Garcia is a Spanish professional golfer who has won 32 international tournaments, including the 2017 Masters Tournament and 2008 Player Championship. He is also widely regarded as one of the best players in the world and was the Chairman of the Spanish football team CF Borriol.

Reasons why he is disliked

Sergio Garcia has displayed a distinct lack of sportsmanship, which has led to him being widely disliked. His frequent temper tantrums, spitting into cups, throwing clubs into lakes, and destroying equipment have all contributed to negative opinions of him. He has additionally been reported giving the middle finger to a fan and blaming others for his poor performance, such as blaming a former girlfriend or unfavorable weather. Such behavior is considered unprofessional, and it has resulted in Garcia’s loss of fan support and followership.

 

Brooks Koepka

Most Disliked Golfers

Brooks Koepka

Brooks Koepka has won 9 PGA Tour titles. He was used to be world number one in the Official World Golf Ranking. He is also the first player to win a major Championship while playing in the LIV Golf League.

Reasons why he is disliked

Brooks Koepka’s confidence as a PGA Tour player has been perceived by many as arrogance. Although he maintains his confidence level, it has caused a fair share of backlash from fans. When asked about his confidence level, Koepka emphasized the importance of self-confidence but acknowledged that not everyone is a fan of it.

“I mean, I’m pretty confident, but I feel like everybody should be confident in themselves, and if you’re not ….people hate confidence. That’s why people aren’t a big fan of me.” – He replied when he was asked about his confidence.

Despite the negative reactions, Koepka remains resolute in his pursuit of first place and strives for results that justify his confidence.

 

John Daly

Who Are the Most Disliked Golfers

John Daly

Renowned for winning two major championships and achieving a rare consecutive win of The Open Championship and PGA Championship, John Daly is a prominent American professional golfer. Despite his popularity, Daly is also known for being one of the most controversial figures in golf.

Reasons why he is disliked

John Daly’s life has been filled with numerous incidents of controversy. Following his triumph at the 1995 Open Championship, Daly struggled to maintain his golf game and battled alcoholism for several years. Reports suggest that Daly attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings during this time. Daly’s penchant for recklessness on the golf course further fueled his negative image. He once hit balls over the heads of spectators in a grandstand in a show of his driving talents. The PGA Tour consequently fined him $30,000 for this conduct.

Daly’s behavior led him to have several heated run-ins with other golfers’ families. For example, in the 1994 PGA Tour’s NEC World Series of Golf, Daly’s display of skill almost hit professional golfer Jeff Roth. This led to a scuffle between Daly and Jeff Roth’s father. Daly’s disruptions led to fines, and public apologies and damaged his reputation.

 

FAQs

Who Are The Bad Boys of Golf?

The bad boys of golf include Sergio Garcia, Brooks Koepka, and John Daly. All three players are known for their lack of sportsmanship and on-course behavior. Additionally, they have all been involved in various controversies that have tarnished their reputations.

Who Is The Biggest Guy On The PGA Tour?

Phil Blackmar is the tallest player on the PGA Tour, standing at 6’7″. He was also a former World No. 1-ranked golfer.

Who Is The Nicest Guy In PGA?

Rickie Fowler is widely considered to be one of the nicest guys in the PGA. He is known for his positive attitude and sportsmanship both on and off the course, and he has won numerous awards for his contributions to golf. Additionally, Fowler works closely with charities that support underprivileged youth, making him a role model for many young people.

Are There Any Billionaire Golfers?

Yes, there are several billionaire golfers, including Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, and Vijay Singh. All four players have achieved great success in the sport while amassing a considerable fortune. Additionally, the investment portfolios of these players have grown significantly over the years as they continue to increase their wealth.

Who Are The Highest-paid Male Golfers?

Tiger Woods, Justin Thomas, Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka, and Dustin Johnson are the highest-paid male golfers as of 2023. These five golfers have consistently been among the top earners on the PGA Tour for several years now and will likely remain so into the future.

 

Final Thoughts

Golf is a sport that unites many people around the world and brings out both passionate fans and controversial players. From John Daly’s antics to Brooks Koepka’s confidence, each player brings something unique to the game. As we move into 2023, it will be interesting to see which golfers can join this list of most disliked players.

 

Author

  • Alvin Daniel

    Hello everyone, I'm Alvin Daniel. I was born in the Philippines and came to the United States when I was 16 years old. I started playing golf at that age and have loved it ever since. I turned professional when I was 21 and have been working as a golf instructor and guide ever since. My goal is to help everyone know more about this great game of golf. And, hopefully, through my instruction, they can improve their skills and enjoy the game even more.

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