The 2025 golf season delivered drama beyond the fairways—from fan outbursts to rule chaos and unexpected headlines.
While the 2025 golf season saw impressive athletic performances, the headlines were dominated by off-course drama. From captain controversies and fan behavior to rule disputes and viral moments, it was a year full of unexpected twists. Here’s our golf year in review.
Ryder Cup Reboots and Fan Frenzies
The 2025 Ryder Cup was a stage for unexpected roles, none more so than Keegan Bradley. After winning the Travelers Championship, he climbed to ninth in the Ryder Cup rankings—while serving as team captain. The long-standing debate over a captain playing reignited, but Bradley ultimately stayed on the sidelines. Smart move? Perhaps. Dramatic? Not quite.
The fans, however, brought the drama. Rory McIlroy faced a chorus of boos and distractions, while Shane Lowry escorted a fan to security—gratis, since only Team USA received prize money for the first time. Scottie Scheffler pledged to donate his share, while McIlroy quipped he’d pay to play on Sunday.
Viktor Hovland’s neck injury triggered a rarely-used rule: his match was halved without a single shot being played. Opinions were split, much like the match result. Meanwhile, a Ryder Cup shop shirt featuring a swing eerily similar to McIlroy’s quietly disappeared from shelves.
PGA vs. LIV and the Rules of Engagement
The PGA-LIV saga continued with Wesley Bryan’s suspension after appearing in a LIV-backed YouTube event, The Duels. While Bryan defended his professionalism, Phil Mickelson called it a blow to entrepreneurial freedom. Ironically, the PGA had invited Grant Horvat, the host of the event, to a separate tournament. Confused? So was everyone else.
LPGA pro Sophia Popov faced her own administrative nightmare. After being cleared to play, she competed in three events—only to be told later she wasn’t eligible. Her points and prize money were revoked, ending her bid for a 2026 tour card.
Rory McIlroy also found himself in the spotlight when his driver failed a USGA test during the PGA Championship. Though meant to be confidential, the news leaked, sparking speculation about his Masters win. The PGA of America eventually calmed the storm, but not before McIlroy questioned the selective leaks—especially since Scottie Scheffler’s failed test remained anonymous.
Slow Play, Shot Clocks and Viral Moments
Pace of play remained a hot topic. Tom Kim embraced the TGL’s shot clock as therapy for his slow routine, while Alejandro Tosti was accused of using slow play as a tactic. At the <