The 2025 golf season was anything but dull—controversies, fan clashes, rule chaos and drama dominated the headlines.
From Ryder Cup drama to equipment scandals and viral moments, 2025 delivered a rollercoaster of headlines in the golf world. While athletic excellence was on display, it was often the off-course stories that stole the spotlight. Here’s our recap of a season full of twists and turns.
Ryder Cup: Booing Fans, Rule Reboots and a Captain on the Sidelines
The 2025 Ryder Cup was packed with unexpected narratives. Team USA captain Keegan Bradley found himself ranked ninth in the Ryder Cup standings after winning the Travelers Championship—raising the age-old question: Can a captain play? A rule tweak reignited the debate, but Bradley chose to remain on the sidelines, a smart move competitively, though less dramatic.
Fans, however, brought the drama. Rory McIlroy was met with boos and noise during putts, while Shane Lowry personally escorted a disruptive fan to security. The controversy didn’t stop there: for the first time, only Team USA received official prize money. Scottie Scheffler pledged to donate his, while McIlroy quipped he’d pay to play on Sunday.
Viktor Hovland’s neck injury activated a rarely used rule, giving his opponent a half-point without a single shot. The match was halved—and so were the opinions. Meanwhile, a Ryder Cup shop shirt resembling McIlroy’s silhouette quietly disappeared from shelves after sparking backlash.
PGA vs. LIV, Equipment Failures and Bureaucratic Blunders
Wesley Bryan was suspended by the PGA Tour after playing in a LIV-supported YouTube event, despite the Tour inviting the host, Grant Horvat, to other events. Phil Mickelson called the suspension an attack on entrepreneurial freedom—another chapter in the ongoing PGA vs. LIV saga.
On the LPGA Tour, Sophia Popov played three events after receiving clearance—only to be told later 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.
Rory McIlroy’s driver failed a USGA test during the PGA Championship, sparking speculation about his Masters win. Though the PGA of America clarified the issue, the leak raised questions—especially since Scottie Scheffler’s failed test remained anonymous. McIlroy expressed frustration over the selective disclosure.
Slow Play, Shot Clocks and a Viral Creek Moment
Slow play remained a hot topic. Tom Kim praised TGL’s shot clock for improving his pace, while Alejandro Tosti was accused of intentionally slowing down to disrupt opponents. At The Open, rounds stretched to six hours, and J.J. Spaun received a warning for exceeding his routine time.
And finally, a bizarre moment at the Masters: Spanish amateur Jose Luis Ballester, unable to find a restroom, relieved himself in Rae’s Creek. The moment went viral, highlighting the contrast between Augusta’s strict decorum and nature’s call.