The 2025 golf season was anything but dull—controversies, fan drama, and rule chaos kept headlines buzzing.
From Ryder Cup drama to LIV-PGA tensions, the 2025 golf season delivered more than just birdies and bogeys. With captains caught in dilemmas, fans crossing the line, and rules tested to their limits, the year was packed with off-course headlines that rivaled the on-course action.
Ryder Cup Chaos and Fan Frenzies
Keegan Bradley’s dual role as Ryder Cup captain and top-10 player sparked debate after his Travelers Championship win. Though eligible to play, he chose to stay on the sidelines—strategically wise, but theatrically underwhelming. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy faced boos and heckling from American fans, prompting Shane Lowry to escort one particularly rowdy spectator to security. The controversy deepened when it emerged that only Team USA received prize money, while Team Europe played for free. Scottie Scheffler pledged to donate his share, and McIlroy quipped he’d pay to play on Sunday.
Viktor Hovland’s neck injury triggered a rarely used rule: his opponent received half a point without a single shot. Opinions were split. And then there was the Ryder Cup merchandise scandal—a silhouette resembling McIlroy appeared on a Team USA shirt, only to vanish quietly from the shop.
LIV Suspensions, LPGA Errors, and Leaky Drivers
Wesley Bryan’s appearance in a LIV-backed YouTube event led to an indefinite PGA Tour suspension, despite the event’s casual nature. Phil Mickelson called it a blow to entrepreneurial freedom, especially ironic since the host, Grant Horvat, had been invited to PGA events. Meanwhile, Sophia Popov’s LPGA comeback was derailed by an administrative error—after playing three events, she was told she wasn’t eligible. Her points and prize money were revoked, ending her bid for a 2026 tour card.
Rory McIlroy found himself in a tech controversy when his driver failed a USGA test. Though the results were supposed to remain confidential, leaks raised questions about the legality of his Masters win. Scottie Scheffler’s driver also failed—but his name stayed out of the spotlight. McIlroy voiced frustration over the selective leaking.
Slow Play, Shot Clocks, and Rae’s Creek Relief
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, rounds stretched to six hours, and J.J. Spaun was warned for taking over 50 seconds on a shot.
Finally, in perhaps the most bizarre moment of the year, Spanish amateur Jose Luis Ballester relieved himself in Rae’s Creek during the Masters—no restroom in sight. The moment went viral, adding a surreal footnote to an already wild season.