From ball kicks and rules breaches to slow-play warnings – we look back at the most curious and memorable golf moments of the year.
Not only in private games do mishaps and rule violations occur on the golf course, but professional golf often sees exciting rule-related incidents as well. As the year ends, we reflect on the biggest blunders and most interesting rules breaches in professional golf. In 2025, several outstanding scenarios took place where players sometimes faced unprecedented situations, resulting in varying consequences from the rules officials.
Bud Cauley Accidentally Kicks Golf Ball – No Penalty Thanks to Rule 9.6
At the final Sunday of the 2025 Players Championship, amidst a long thunderstorm delay, a curious scene happened: Bud Cauley accidentally stepped on the ball of his playing partner Lucas Glover. The golf rules provided immediate clarity – according to Rule 9.6, movement of the ball caused by an outside influence is penalty-free, so Glover was allowed to replace his ball at its original spot. This incident also highlights the different regulations: balls moved by natural forces generally must be played from their new position, but a ball already placed on the green is always replaced to its spot regardless of cause.
Shane Lowry Commits Rules Breach at US Open – Takes Double Bogey with Humor
During the second round of the 2025 US Open at Oakmont Country Club, Shane Lowry made a rare rules error by lifting his ball on the 14th green without marking it first – a clear violation of Rule 14.1 that cost him a penalty stroke and turned the hole into a double bogey. Lowry, who was already well over par and missed the cut significantly, took the mistake in stride. Calling it \”one of the dumbest things\” he had ever done, he continued play after marking correctly, emphasizing that he fought for every stroke despite the blunder.
Self-Disqualification and Slow Play Warnings Highlight 2025 Golf Rules Drama
At the Amundi German Masters 2025, American pro Hannah Gregg self-disqualified after signing an incorrect scorecard with a lower score recorded on the 14th hole. According to Rule 3.3b(3), this results in automatic disqualification once confirmed. Gregg noticed the mistake after leaving the course and promptly reported it, receiving wide public praise for her honesty on social media.
Slow play also came under scrutiny during the first round of the 2025 British Open. Players like Marc Leishman complained about extremely slow paces – three hours for eight holes – while Rory McIlroy’s group completed eleven holes in four hours. US Open winner J.J. Spaun was officially warned for exceeding the 50-second limit on his second shot at the 17th hole. Another warning could have led to a penalty stroke and carried over to the next round, increasing pressure to make the cut. Reports note even Jon Rahm’s caddie defended Spaun to officials.
Meanwhile, on the DP World Tour, Marcel Siem faced disqualification after playing a provisional ball on the 18th hole, although his original ball was found in a penalty area – violating Rule 18.3c(3). Siem signed his