From ball kicks to rule mistakes and slow play warnings, we look back at golf’s quirkiest and most memorable moments of the year.
Not only in amateur play do incidents and rule violations happen on the golf course, but also in professional golf, the rules often create thrilling and unique situations. As 2025 comes to a close, we review the biggest blunders and most interesting rule breaches in professional golf. This year featured several exceptional scenarios where players encountered new or unusual rule circumstances, resulting in varying degrees of consequences from officials.
Bud Cauley Steps on Ball – No Penalty Thanks to Rule 9.6
During the final Sunday of the 2025 Players Championship, amidst a lengthy weather delay, a quirky incident occurred: Bud Cauley accidentally stepped on the ball of fellow competitor Lucas Glover. However, the golf rules were clear—under Rule 9.6, a ball moved by outside influence is not penalized, allowing Glover to replace his ball to its original spot. This incident also highlights differences in rules: balls moved by natural forces usually must be played from their new positions, but a ball that has already been placed on the green is always replaced to its initial spot regardless of the cause.
Shane Lowry’s US Open Rule Mistake Turns into Double Bogey with Humor
In the second round of the 2025 US Open at Oakmont Country Club, Shane Lowry committed a rare rule violation by picking up his ball on the 14th green without marking its position first—a breach of Rule 14.1 resulting in a penalty stroke and converting the hole into a double bogey. Despite already being well over par and ultimately missing the cut, Lowry took the mistake with humor, calling it “one of the dumbest things” he’s ever done. Fellow competitor Rory McIlroy laughed it off, and Lowry proceeded correctly thereafter, emphasizing his continued determination despite the mishap.
Self-Disqualification, Slow Play, and More Noteworthy Incidents in 2025 Golf
At the 2025 Amundi German Masters, American pro Hannah Gregg disqualified herself after signing an incorrect scorecard with a score lower than actually played on the 14th hole, triggering automatic disqualification under Rule 3.3b(3). Gregg publicly expressed disappointment but received broad praise on social media for her honesty.
Slow play became a focal point at the 2025 British Open, with complaints about extremely slow rounds due to challenging course setups and changing weather. US Open champion J.J. Spaun received an official warning for exceeding the 50-second limit on his second shot on the 17th hole, adding pressure as a second warning would result in a penalty stroke.
Additionally, Marcel Siem faced harsh disappointment on the DP World Tour when he was disqualified after playing a provisional ball at the 18th hole despite finding his original ball in a penalty area. By signing his card without correcting the mistake, the rules mandated disqualification. Siem described it as an unintentional error and promised to come back strong in the following week.