From McIlroy’s phone-snatching incident to Marcel Siem’s drunken course records — we look back at golf’s quirkiest moments of 2025.
Golf is typically a sport of etiquette and composure, but even in this refined world, bizarre moments are bound to happen. From forgotten ball markers and £10,000 bets to quit smoking, to record-breaking rounds under the influence — 2025 had its fair share of oddities. Here are the strangest golf moments of the year.
Rory McIlroy and the Phone Incident
Rory McIlroy is no stranger to fan interruptions, but during a practice round ahead of the Players Championship, he had enough. When a fan shouted during his swing, McIlroy demanded the man’s phone and walked off with it across the fairway. The fan eventually got his phone back — but not his tournament access.
Marcel Siem’s Drunken Course Record
Playing golf while drunk is usually a recipe for disaster — unless you’re Marcel Siem. The German pro revealed on a podcast that he set three course records while intoxicated, including one during the third round of the 2015 Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Despite two vomiting breaks, he played one of the best rounds of his life.
Charley Hull’s £10,000 No-Smoking Bet
Quitting smoking is tough, even for elite athletes. To motivate herself, Charley Hull made a bold bet with fellow pro Ryan Evans: if she smoked before mid-May, she’d owe him £10,000. In the end, she kept her money — and kicked the habit, calling it surprisingly easy.