The 2025 golf season was anything but dull – a year filled with drama, rule debates, fan incidents and unexpected twists.
From rule controversies to fan drama and bizarre moments, 2025 delivered a golf season full of headlines far beyond the leaderboard. While athletic excellence was present, it was the off-course stories that often stole the spotlight.
Ryder Cup Chaos: Booing, Rule Changes and a Captain’s Dilemma
The 2025 Ryder Cup was a stage for unexpected narratives. Keegan Bradley, appointed captain, found himself ranked ninth after winning the Travelers Championship. The long-standing question of whether a captain can also play was reignited, leading to a rule change. Ultimately, Bradley chose to stay on the sidelines, a wise move competitively, though less thrilling theatrically.
The fans, however, brought their own drama. Rory McIlroy faced boos and distractions from American crowds, while Shane Lowry personally escorted a disruptive fan to security. In a twist, Team USA received official prize money, while Team Europe did not. Scottie Scheffler opted to donate his share, and McIlroy quipped he’d pay to play on Sunday.
Viktor Hovland’s neck injury triggered a rarely used rule granting his opponent half a point without a single shot played. The match was halved, and so were opinions. Meanwhile, a Ryder Cup shop controversy emerged over a shirt featuring a swing silhouette resembling McIlroy, which quietly disappeared from shelves.
LIV vs. PGA: Suspensions, YouTube and Double Standards
The PGA-LIV saga continued with Wesley Bryan’s suspension after playing in a LIV-backed YouTube event called “The Duels.” While Bryan defended his intentions, Phil Mickelson called the ban an attack on entrepreneurial freedom. Ironically, the PGA Tour had previously invited Grant Horvat, host of the same channel. The contradictions fueled ongoing debates about player freedom and tour politics.
Elsewhere, Sophia Popov faced heartbreak after being told she could play three LPGA events—only to be retroactively disqualified due to an administrative error. Her points and prize money were revoked, ending her bid for a 2026 tour card.
Tech Fails, Slow Play and Viral Moments
Rory McIlroy’s driver failed a USGA test at the PGA Championship, sparking speculation about his Masters win. Though the issue was meant to remain confidential, it leaked, while Scottie Scheffler’s similar failure stayed anonymous. McIlroy expressed frustration over the selective exposure.
Slow play remained a hot topic. Tom Kim praised the TGL’s shot clock for helping his pace, while Alejandro Tosti was accused of intentionally slowing down to disrupt opponents. At the Open Championship, rounds stretched to six hours, and J.J. Spaun received a warning for exceeding the 50-second shot routine limit.
Finally, Spanish amateur Jose Luis Ball