The 2025 golf season was anything but dull – from fan drama to rule chaos and unexpected headlines.
From standout performances to off-course drama, 2025 was a year that kept golf fans talking. While the sport delivered on the fairways, it was often the controversies, debates, and bizarre moments that grabbed the headlines. Here’s a look back at the most talked-about stories of the season.
Ryder Cup Chaos: Booing Fans and Captain Confusion
The 2025 Ryder Cup was a stage for unexpected plot twists, none bigger than Keegan Bradley’s dual role. After winning the Travelers Championship, Bradley found himself ranked ninth in the Ryder Cup standings—while also serving as Team USA’s captain. A rule change reignited the debate over playing captains, but Bradley ultimately chose to stay on the sidelines, a smart move competitively, if a bit anticlimactic.
Meanwhile, the fans took center stage. Rory McIlroy endured loud boos and heckling, while Shane Lowry personally escorted unruly spectators to security. The drama extended to the purse: for the first time, only Team USA received official prize money. Scottie Scheffler pledged to donate his share, while McIlroy quipped he’d pay to play on Sunday.
Injuries also played a role. Viktor Hovland’s neck issue triggered a rarely used rule, awarding his opponent half a point without a single shot played. Opinions were split on the fairness of the outcome.
And then there was the merchandise mishap: a Ryder Cup shirt featuring a swing eerily similar to McIlroy’s silhouette quietly disappeared from shelves after sparking controversy.
PGA vs. LIV: Suspensions and Double Standards
The ongoing PGA vs. LIV saga added another chapter when Wesley Bryan was suspended by the PGA Tour for participating in a LIV-supported YouTube event, “The Duels.” While Bryan defended his professionalism, Phil Mickelson called the suspension an infringement on entrepreneurial freedom. Ironically, the PGA had previously invited Grant Horvat, the host of the same event. The contradictions only deepened the divide.
Elsewhere, Sophia Popov faced heartbreak after being wrongly cleared to play three LPGA events. The administrative error cost her points, prize money, and a shot at regaining her tour card.