The 2025 golf season was anything but dull—controversies, fan drama, rule chaos and bizarre moments stole the spotlight.
From Ryder Cup drama to LIV Golf clashes and equipment controversies, 2025 delivered a whirlwind of off-course headlines. While the athletic performances were strong, it was the unexpected storylines that dominated the conversation.
Ryder Cup: Booing Fans, Rule Changes and a Captain’s Dilemma
The 2025 Ryder Cup was full of surprises, none bigger than Keegan Bradley’s dual role as captain and top-10 player. After winning the Travelers Championship, he climbed to ninth in the Ryder Cup rankings, sparking debate over whether a captain should also play. A rule change allowed it, but Bradley ultimately stayed on the sidelines—strategically wise, but narratively underwhelming.
Fans, however, took center stage. Rory McIlroy faced heavy booing from American crowds, while Shane Lowry personally escorted a heckler to security. Meanwhile, a new controversy emerged: only Team USA received official prize money, a first in Ryder Cup history. Scottie Scheffler pledged to donate his share, while McIlroy quipped he’d pay to play on Sunday.
Viktor Hovland’s neck injury triggered a rarely seen rule: his opponent received half a point by default. The match was halved without a single shot, sparking debate. And in a quieter controversy, a Ryder Cup shop shirt featuring a McIlroy-like silhouette mysteriously vanished from shelves.
LIV Golf, LPGA Blunders and Equipment Scandals
The PGA vs. LIV saga continued as Wesley Bryan was suspended by the PGA Tour after appearing in a LIV-supported YouTube event. Ironically, Grant Horvat, who hosted the event, had been invited by the PGA itself. Phil Mickelson called the suspension an attack on entrepreneurial freedom.
On the LPGA Tour, Sophia Popov’s season was derailed by an administrative error. After being told she could play, she competed in three events—only to be retroactively disqualified. Her points and earnings were revoked, ending her bid for a 2026 tour card.
Rory McIlroy found himself in the middle of a tech scandal when his driver failed a USGA test. Though the results were meant to be confidential, leaks led to speculation about his Masters win. The PGA of America stepped in to calm the storm. Scottie Scheffler’s driver also failed—but his identity remained protected, prompting McIlroy to question the selective leaks.
Slow Play, Shot Clocks and a Viral Creek Moment
Slow play remained a hot topic. Tom Kim praised the TGL’s shot clock for helping him speed up, while Alejandro Tosti was accused of using slow play to disrupt opponents. At the Open Championship, rounds stretched to six hours, and J.J. Spaun received a warning for taking over 50 seconds on a shot.
In perhaps the most bizarre moment of the year, Spanish amateur Jose Luis Ballester went viral at the Masters—not for his play, but for relieving himself in Rae’s Creek due to