The 2025 golf season was anything but dull—controversies, fan drama, rule chaos and viral moments dominated the headlines.
From Ryder Cup drama to LIV Golf suspensions, the 2025 golf season delivered a whirlwind of headlines beyond the leaderboard. While athletic performances impressed, it was often the off-course stories that stole the spotlight. Here’s a look back at the year’s most talked-about moments.
Ryder Cup Reboots and Fan Fireworks
Keegan Bradley became the face of an unusual Ryder Cup narrative. After winning the Travelers Championship, he climbed to ninth in the Ryder Cup rankings—while serving as Team USA captain. The age-old question of whether a captain can play was reignited, but Bradley ultimately stayed on the sidelines. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy faced boos and heckling from American fans, with Shane Lowry stepping in to escort a disruptive spectator to security. Prize money sparked further debate: for the first time, only Team USA received official compensation, while Team Europe played for pride. McIlroy quipped he’d pay to play on Sunday. Viktor Hovland’s injury triggered a rare rule, awarding his opponent half a point without a single shot. And in a quieter controversy, a Ryder Cup shop shirt resembling McIlroy mysteriously vanished from shelves.
PGA vs. LIV, Popov’s Paperwork and Driver Drama
Wesley Bryan was suspended by the PGA Tour after appearing in a LIV-supported YouTube event, “The Duels.” Phil Mickelson decried the move as a blow to entrepreneurial freedom, especially since the PGA had previously invited the host, Grant Horvat. Meanwhile, Sophia Popov’s LPGA season was derailed by an administrative error: after playing three events under the belief she was eligible, she was retroactively disqualified, losing points and prize money. Rory McIlroy’s driver failed a USGA test—supposedly confidential—sparking speculation about his Masters win. Scottie Scheffler’s driver also failed, but his name stayed anonymous. McIlroy criticized the selective leak.
Slow Play, Shot Clocks and Rae’s Creek Relief
Slow play remained a hot topic. Tom Kim embraced the TGL’s shot clock as a remedy for his sluggish pace, while Alejandro Tosti was accused of using slow play to disrupt opponents. At The Open, rounds stretched to six hours, and J.J. Spaun received a warning for exceeding the 50-second shot routine limit. Finally, in a moment of viral infamy, Spanish amateur Jose Luis Ballester relieved himself in Rae’s Creek during the Masters due to a lack of nearby restrooms—earning applause and a permanent place in the 2025 golf yearbook.