The 2025 golf season was anything but boring: from fan drama to rule chaos and viral moments, here’s the year in review.
From rule disputes to viral mishaps, 2025 was a year that kept golf fans talking. While athletic performances were strong, it was the off-course drama and unexpected twists that often stole the spotlight. Here’s a look back at the most talked-about moments of the year.
Ryder Cup Drama: Booing Fans and Rule Reboots
The 2025 Ryder Cup offered more than just golf—it was a stage for controversy. Team USA captain Keegan Bradley found himself ranked ninth in the Ryder Cup standings after winning the Travelers Championship, sparking debate over whether a captain should also play. A rule change allowed it, but Bradley opted to stay on the sidelines, a choice that was smart but anticlimactic.
Meanwhile, fans took center stage. Rory McIlroy faced boos and heckling, while teammate Shane Lowry escorted a disruptive fan to security. The controversy deepened when it was revealed that only Team USA received official prize money, prompting McIlroy to quip he’d pay to play on Sunday. Viktor Hovland’s neck injury triggered an old rule that awarded his opponent half a point without a single shot played—dividing opinions across the sport.
Even Ryder Cup merchandise caused a stir: a shirt featuring a swing eerily similar to McIlroy’s appeared and then quietly vanished from the shop.
PGA vs. LIV: Suspensions and Double Standards
The ongoing PGA vs. LIV saga added another chapter when Wesley Bryan was suspended indefinitely for appearing in a LIV-supported YouTube event called “The Duels.” While Bryan defended his professionalism, Phil Mickelson criticized the PGA Tour for stifling entrepreneurial freedom. Ironically, the PGA had previously invited Grant Horvat, whose channel hosted the event. Confused? So was everyone else.
Elsewhere, Sophia Popov experienced heartbreak after being told she could play LPGA events—only to later learn she wasn’t eligible. Her points and prize money were revoked due to an “administrative error,” costing her a shot at a 2026 tour card.
Tech Fails, Slow Play and Viral Moments
Rory McIlroy’s driver failed a USGA test during the PGA Championship—a result that was supposed to remain confidential but leaked anyway. Speculation swirled about whether his Masters win was legitimate. The PGA of America eventually calmed the waters, but questions remained, especially since Scottie Scheffler’s failed test stayed anonymous. McIlroy wasn’t pleased with the selective leaks.
Slow play also made headlines. Tom Kim admitted the TGL’s shot clock helped him speed up, while Alejandro Tosti was accused of deliberately slowing down to disrupt opponents. At the Open Championship, rounds stretched to six hours, and J.J. Spaun received a warning for taking over 50 seconds on a