From fan outbursts to rule chaos and viral moments — 2025 in golf was anything but boring.
The 2025 golf season delivered strong athletic performances, but the headlines were dominated by drama, debates, and unexpected twists. From controversial captain decisions to viral creek moments, here’s a look back at a year that kept the golf world buzzing.
Ryder Cup Drama: Captains, Fans, and Rule Reboots
The 2025 Ryder Cup was full of surprises, none bigger than Keegan Bradley’s dual role. After winning the Travelers Championship, he climbed to ninth in the Ryder Cup rankings — as team captain. The long-standing debate about playing captains was reignited, but Bradley chose to stay on the sidelines. Meanwhile, fans made their presence known, especially targeting Rory McIlroy with boos and heckles. Shane Lowry even escorted a fan to security. The prize money controversy also flared up, with Team USA receiving payouts while Team Europe did not. 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, awarding his opponent a half-point without a single shot. Opinions were split. And then there was the silhouette scandal — a Ryder Cup shop shirt resembling McIlroy quietly vanished from shelves.
PGA vs. LIV, Equipment Failures, and Administrative Blunders
The PGA-LIV saga continued when Wesley Bryan was suspended by the PGA Tour after appearing in a LIV-supported YouTube event. Ironically, the host, Grant Horvat, had been invited by the PGA itself. Phil Mickelson called the punishment an infringement on entrepreneurial freedom.
Sophia Popov faced heartbreak after being told she could play on the LPGA Tour, only to be retroactively disqualified due to an administrative error. Her points and earnings were revoked, ending her bid for a 2026 tour card.
Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy found himself in the spotlight again when his driver failed a USGA test — a result that was supposed to remain confidential. Speculation swirled about his Masters win, though the PGA of America later clarified the issue. Scottie Scheffler’s driver also failed, but his identity remained protected, prompting McIlroy to question the selective leak.
Slow Play, Shot Clocks, and a Viral Creek Incident
Slow play remained a hot topic. Tom Kim admitted the TGL’s shot clock helped him speed up. Alejandro Tosti was accused of deliberately slowing play to disrupt