From fan outbursts to rule chaos and viral moments — the 2025 golf season was anything but boring.
2025 delivered strong performances on the course, but it was the off-course drama that often stole the spotlight. From heated debates and fan controversies to rule confusion and bizarre incidents, here’s a look back at the most talked-about moments of the year.
Ryder Cup Drama: Booing Fans, Rule Reboots and a Captain’s Dilemma
The 2025 Ryder Cup was full of unexpected twists. 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—wise, but anticlimactic.
Meanwhile, fans made their presence felt. Rory McIlroy endured loud boos and distractions, while Shane Lowry personally escorted a fan to security. Prize money stirred controversy too: for the first time, only Team USA received official compensation. Scottie Scheffler chose to donate his share, while McIlroy quipped he’d pay to play on Sunday.
Viktor Hovland’s neck injury triggered a rarely used rule, awarding his opponent half a point without a single shot played. Opinions were split. And then there was the merchandise mishap: a Ryder Cup shirt featuring a swing resembling McIlroy quietly disappeared from shelves.
PGA vs. LIV: Suspensions, YouTube Events and Double Standards
Wesley Bryan’s appearance in a LIV-supported YouTube event called “The Duels” led to an indefinite suspension by the PGA Tour. Bryan defended his professionalism, while Phil Mickelson criticized the move as anti-entrepreneurial. Ironically, Grant Horvat, the host of the event, had been invited by the PGA Tour itself. The PGA vs. LIV saga continued to blur lines and raise eyebrows.
Elsewhere, Sophia Popov faced heartbreak after being told she could play on the LPGA Tour, only to later learn it was a mistake. Her points and prize money were revoked, ending her bid for a 2026 tour card due to what was described as an “administrative error.”
Tech Fails, Slow Play and Viral Moments
Rory McIlroy was at the center of a tech controversy when his driver failed a USGA test—information that was supposed to remain confidential. Speculation swirled about his Masters win until the PGA of America clarified the situation. Scottie Scheffler’s driver also failed, but his identity remained protected, prompting McIlroy to question the selective leak.
Slow play remained a hot topic