The 2025 golf season was anything but boring – from fan drama to rule chaos and viral moments, here’s what made headlines.
Strong performances marked the 2025 golf season, but the headlines were often dominated by off-course drama. From captain controversies to fan behavior and bizarre rule applications, the year delivered a mix of debate, laughter, and conflict. Here’s our 2025 golf recap.
Ryder Cup Chaos: Captains, Crowds and Controversy
The 2025 Ryder Cup was full of unexpected twists. Keegan Bradley, named captain of Team USA, found himself ranked ninth after winning the Travelers Championship. The age-old question of whether a captain can also play was reignited, but Bradley ultimately stayed on the sidelines. Meanwhile, fans made their presence known—Rory McIlroy faced boos and noise during putts, while Shane Lowry escorted a disruptive spectator out himself. Prize money became another hot topic: for the first time, only Team USA received compensation, prompting McIlroy to quip he’d pay to play on Sunday. Viktor Hovland’s injury triggered an old rule granting his opponent a free half-point, sparking debate. Even the merchandise wasn’t safe—shirts resembling McIlroy mysteriously disappeared from the Ryder Cup shop.
PGA vs. LIV, Popov’s Paperwork and Leaky Drivers
The PGA-LIV drama continued when Wesley Bryan was suspended for playing in a LIV-supported YouTube event. Phil Mickelson called it an attack on entrepreneurial freedom, especially since YouTuber Grant Horvat—host of the event—was invited to a PGA event himself. Meanwhile, Sophia Popov was told she could play on the LPGA Tour, only to be informed later that it was a mistake. Her points and earnings were revoked, costing her a shot at a tour card. On the equipment front, Rory McIlroy’s driver failed a USGA test, sparking rumors about his Masters win. The leak of his name, while others like Scottie Scheffler remained anonymous, left McIlroy frustrated.
Slow Play, Shot Clocks and Rae’s Creek Relief
Slow play remained a hot-button issue. Tom Kim admitted the TGL’s shot clock helped him speed up, while Alejandro Tosti was accused of deliberately slowing down to disrupt opponents. The Open Championship featured marathon rounds of up to six hours. J.J. Spaun was even warned for taking over 50 seconds on a shot. And finally, in perhaps the most bizarre moment of the year, Spanish amateur Jose Luis Ballester relieved himself in Rae’s Creek during the Masters—a viral moment in a club where even sitting on the grass is frowned upon.