Golf, often known for its etiquette and tradition, is not immune to its share of drama. Despite its image as a reserved sport, the fairways and greens have witnessed scandals, bitter rivalries and public relations nightmares that have appeared on sexcams websites, leaving fans and analysts stunned. These moments have not only marked the careers of the players involved, but have also altered public perception of the sport. Here are the most controversial moments in golf history.
1. Tiger Woods’ 2009 Scandal
It’s impossible to start a list of golf’s biggest controversies without mentioning the 2009 Tiger Woods scandal. Once considered the ultimate ambassador for the sport, Woods’ carefully crafted image crumbled almost overnight.
After a mysterious car crash outside his Florida home, a cascade of extramarital affairs surfaced, revealing a deeply hidden personal life. Sponsors like Gatorade, AT&T, and Accenture dropped him, and Woods took an indefinite break from golf.
This scandal wasn’t just a personal fall from grace—it shook the entire sports world. TV ratings dropped, and PGA Tour events saw a decline in interest during his absence. It was a stark reminder that even golf’s golden boy wasn’t immune to controversy.
2. The Phil Mickelson–Saudi Arabia Fallout
Phil Mickelson found himself at the center of a firestorm in 2022 when he made explosive comments about Saudi Arabia and the controversial LIV Golf Invitational Series. While players defecting to LIV Golf was already causing tension, Mickelson’s explicit acknowledgment of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record—while still showing willingness to work with them—caused widespread backlash.
Many saw his remarks as tone-deaf and opportunistic. Longtime sponsors like KPMG and Amstel Light quickly cut ties. The fallout forced Mickelson to take a break from the sport and tarnished his reputation as one of golf’s more affable stars.
3. Patrick Reed’s Rules Controversies
Patrick Reed is no stranger to controversy, but his 2019 bunker incident at the Hero World Challenge stands out. Reed was penalized for improving his lie in a waste area—a blatant rules violation captured on camera. Critics, including fellow pros, lambasted him for what they saw as intentional cheating.
This wasn’t Reed’s first brush with controversy. He’s been accused of bending the rules multiple times throughout his career, which has earned him a reputation as one of the PGA Tour’s most polarizing figures.
Despite his undeniable talent, Reed’s actions have left a sour taste among fans and players alike, prompting debates over integrity in the sport.
4. The Ryder Cup Meltdowns
The Ryder Cup, one of golf’s most passionate events, has often been a breeding ground for controversy. The 1999 Ryder Cup at Brookline, Massachusetts, was particularly intense. The U.S. team stormed the 17th green after Justin Leonard sank a 45-foot putt, even though José María Olazábal still had a putt to tie the hole.
The premature celebration was seen as disrespectful and unsportsmanlike, sparking outrage from the European side. Although Team USA won, the incident left a stain on what should have been a glorious comeback.
The Ryder Cup continues to toe the line between patriotism and poor sportsmanship, making it one of the most emotionally charged events in golf.
5. Sergio Garcia’s Outbursts
Spanish golfer Sergio Garcia has had multiple moments that have landed him in hot water. His temper on the course is well-documented, but the most controversial moment came during the 2019 Saudi International when he was disqualified for damaging greens in frustration.
Garcia reportedly scuffed up multiple greens, prompting complaints from fellow players and eventually leading to his disqualification—an incredibly rare occurrence on the professional circuit.
His actions were widely condemned and raised questions about sportsmanship and professionalism. While Garcia apologized, the damage to his reputation lingered.
6. Dustin Johnson’s 2010 PGA Championship Blunder
Dustin Johnson appeared to win the 2010 PGA Championship at Whistling Straits, but a late rules infraction cost him dearly. On the final hole, Johnson grounded his club in what he thought was a trampled area but was actually a bunker.
Officials assessed a two-stroke penalty after the round, knocking him out of a playoff spot and handing the win to Martin Kaymer. Fans were divided—some blamed Johnson’s lack of attention, while others criticized the PGA for not marking the bunkers more clearly.
The incident highlighted the importance of golf’s complex rulebook and how even the smallest mistake can have monumental consequences.
7. Michelle Wie’s PGA Tour Participation
When Michelle Wie accepted sponsor exemptions to compete in PGA Tour events as a teenager, the golf world was split. While some praised her boldness and trailblazing spirit, others criticized the move as a publicity stunt.
Her performances were underwhelming, missing cuts by large margins. Critics argued that she should have focused on dominating the LPGA Tour instead of chasing headlines.
Though her career later found solid footing, the early controversy surrounding her PGA Tour participation sparked debates about gender equity, media exploitation, and the pressures on young athletes.
8. The “Anchored Putting” Ban
In 2016, the USGA and R&A implemented a ban on anchored putting, targeting long putters that were braced against the chest or stomach. This rule change was met with fierce resistance, particularly from older players and professionals who had used anchored strokes for years.
Players like Adam Scott and Keegan Bradley had to alter their putting styles, leading to a dip in performance. The ban stirred controversy not only due to its timing but because many felt it unfairly penalized players who were following the rules when they first adopted the technique.
The debate raged for years, with purists supporting the ban and modernists decrying it as unnecessary interference.
9. Lexi Thompson’s Four-Stroke Penalty at ANA Inspiration
In 2017, Lexi Thompson was leading the ANA Inspiration when a viewer emailed officials about a rules violation from the previous day. Thompson had incorrectly replaced her ball on the green, and upon review, she was penalized four strokes.
The timing of the penalty—midway through her final round—was especially controversial. Fans and analysts alike were outraged that a viewer could influence the outcome of a major championship.
The incident led to a revision of the rules, limiting the impact of viewer call-ins. But for Thompson, the controversy remains one of the most heartbreaking chapters in her career.
10. Vijay Singh and the Deer Antler Spray Scandal
Vijay Singh made headlines in 2013 when he admitted to using deer antler spray, a substance containing IGF-1, which was on the PGA Tour’s list of banned substances. Singh maintained he was unaware the substance was prohibited.
Initially suspended, Singh later sued the PGA Tour, claiming defamation. The suit was settled out of court, but the controversy tarnished Singh’s career and raised questions about the Tour’s handling of banned substances.
It was one of the few instances of a high-profile doping-related scandal in golf, shaking the sport’s reputation for fair play.
11. Rory Sabbatini’s Questionable Sportsmanship
Rory Sabbatini has a reputation for being hot-tempered, but his 2007 outburst at the Wachovia Championship pushed things too far. After playing a round with Tiger Woods, Sabbatini claimed Woods was “more beatable than ever.”
The comment drew backlash not only from Woods’ fans but also from fellow players who saw it as disrespectful. Sabbatini doubled down and even played ahead of his group during a later event, leading to criticism of his on-course behavior.
Although talented, Sabbatini’s antics have made him a controversial figure whose actions often overshadow his skills.
12. Slow Play Crackdowns
Slow play has been a persistent issue in professional golf, but recent crackdowns have sparked heated debate. Players like Bryson DeChambeau and J.B. Holmes have been singled out for taking excessively long times between shots.
In 2020, the PGA Tour implemented a new pace-of-play policy targeting repeat offenders. While many applauded the move, others felt it disrupted players’ routines and added undue stress.
The controversy continues today, with fans and analysts divided over how best to balance game flow with player preparation.
13. The LIV Golf Divide
Perhaps the most polarizing issue in recent years, LIV Golf has divided the professional golf world. Funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the breakaway league has lured top talent like Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, and Bryson DeChambeau with massive contracts.
Critics argue that LIV Golf is a vehicle for sportswashing and undermines the integrity of the sport. Traditionalists worry about the fragmentation of golf’s competitive structure.
While some see it as a much-needed disruptor, others believe it’s tearing the sport apart. The PGA Tour’s response—suspending defectors—has only added fuel to the fire.
Final Thoughts
Golf might project an image of calm and decorum, but beneath the surface lies a sport that’s been rocked by intense controversies and ethical dilemmas. From personal scandals and public spats to institutional shake-ups and rule changes, these moments have shaped golf’s history—and its future.
As golf continues to evolve, one thing is clear: controversies will continue to challenge the sport’s values, forcing players, fans, and governing bodies to adapt. And in a game where honor is everything, these disruptions remind us that no one, no matter how revered, is above scrutiny.