The 2025 golf season was anything but dull—controversies, fan drama, and rule debates stole the spotlight.
From Ryder Cup drama to equipment controversies, 2025 delivered a full spectrum of golf headlines. While athletic performances impressed, it was the off-course stories that often made the biggest waves. Here’s a look back at a year that had it all—debates, disputes, and a fair share of bizarre moments.
Ryder Cup Chaos: Captains, Crowds, and Controversies
Keegan Bradley made headlines not just as Team USA’s Ryder Cup captain, but also as a top-10 player in the rankings 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 took center stage—Rory McIlroy faced boos and noise during putts, and Shane Lowry escorted a heckler to security. The payment debate also flared up: Team USA received prize money, 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 rare rule: his opponent received half a point without playing a shot. The incident sparked debate over outdated regulations. Even merchandise got messy—a Ryder Cup shirt featuring a swing resembling McIlroy’s mysteriously vanished from the shop.
PGA vs. LIV, Popov’s LPGA Nightmare, and Driver Drama
Wesley Bryan was suspended by the PGA Tour after appearing in a LIV-supported YouTube event, “The Duels.” Phil Mickelson called it a blow to entrepreneurial freedom, especially since the PGA had previously invited the host, Grant Horvat. Meanwhile, Sophia Popov’s LPGA season was derailed by an administrative error—after being cleared to play, she competed in three events before being told she was ineligible. Her points and earnings were revoked, ending her bid for a 2026 tour card.
Equipment also made headlines: Rory McIlroy’s driver failed a USGA test, sparking speculation about his Masters win. The leak, which was supposed to remain confidential, left McIlroy frustrated—especially since Scottie Scheffler’s failed test remained anonymous.
Slow Play, Shot Clocks, and a Viral Creek Moment
Slow play continued to plague pro tours. Tom Kim welcomed the TGL’s shot clock as a helpful tool, while Alejandro Tosti was accused of strategic stalling. At the Open Championship, rounds stretched to six hours. J.J. Spaun even received a warning for exceeding the 50-second routine limit.
And then came the moment no one expected: Spanish amateur Jose Luis Ballester, playing at the Masters, relieved himself in Rae’s Creek due to a lack of nearby restrooms. The moment went viral—proving once again that in golf, the unexpected often steals the show.