9 Golfers Who Are Guaranteed to Make Headlines

THERE are some individuals who are guaranteed to generate interest and make headlines, no matter what they say and do. It happens with all sports, and golf is no exception.

Here, we look at the nine people in golf who are absolutely guaranteed to move the needle - even without hitting a single shot in anger.

Rory McIlroy

(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)

The world number one is a child of the social media age and knows how to make it work to his advantage. And when he speaks, people tend to listen. He has had plenty to say about LIV Golf and his views have been shared many, many times, sparking all sorts of debates. 

Tiger Woods

(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)

Nobody generates interest in golf in quite the same way as the 15-time major champion. After his car accident in 2021 Woods posted some images of himself hitting wedge shots. Social media went into meltdown, with millions of hits. If you doubt his influence on the game look no further than the fact that he landed the Player Impact Program award in both 2021 and 2022 despite the fact that he barely hit a ball.

Bryson DeChambeau

To be fair to DeChambeau, he has gone fairly quiet since joining LIV Golf. In truth, he has struggled with his form in 2022. But there was massive interest in his squabble with Brooks Koepka in 2021, when both men were still playing on the PGA Tour. DeChambeau’s obsession with distance continues to attract massive interest.

Greg Norman

It is fair to say that Norman may just be the most disliked individual in the game of professional golf on account of the role he has played in establishing LIV Golf. He has criticised the PGA Tour, Jay Monahan and Rory McIlroy. And he continues to insist that LIV Golf is playing its part in helping to grow the game around the world. It was certainly the major talking point in 2022 but whether most people agree with his views is an entirely different matter.

Phil Mickelson

Oh Phil! For years he was arguably the most-loved man on the PGA Tour because off the way he played the game as much for the tournaments he won. Club golfers loved the way he always went for broke and spoke from the heart, win or lose. But he sparked a social media storm when he first of all accused the PGA Tour or greed and then, having defected to LIV Golf, accused his Saudi paymasters of being “scary mother*******”. 

Tyrrell Hatton

(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)

Is there a more entertaining golfer on the planet? It is easy to dismiss his behaviour as that of a spoilt child, but American golf fans simply cannot get enough of him. His constant chuntering on the course can be hilarious. And here’s the thing - he has many followers and admirers among his peers.

Jack Nicklaus

He may now be in his 80s but the GOAT still has plenty to say about the state of the game, and when he speaks, people listen. And why would you not take notice of a man who won 18 majors and finished second in 19 more? The Golden Bear cares deeply about the game so we should be listening to what he has to say.

Brandel Chamblee

A former PGA Tour player of average ability, Chamblee became a commentator and analyst with a view on everything and everybody. And he is not bothered about who he upsets. Some of his Twitter posts have to be read to be believed. His targets have included Greg Norman, Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Nick Faldo and Bryson DeChambeau.

Patrick Reed

(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)

One of the most controversial figures in professional golf and a man who divides opinion. The USA will miss his passion at the 2023 Ryder Cup clash in Italy. But he has a knack of rubbing people up the wrong way.

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