From McIlroy’s phone snatch to Marcel Siem’s drunken course record — we look back at golf’s quirkiest moments of 2025.
Golf is often seen as a serious sport, steeped in etiquette and calm. But even in this refined world, bizarre and humorous moments can emerge. From forgotten ball markers to £10,000 bets to quit smoking and intoxicated course records, 2025 brought its fair share of oddities. Here’s our roundup of the strangest golf moments of the year.
Rory McIlroy snatches a fan’s phone
Rory McIlroy is no stranger to heckling fans, but during a practice round ahead of the Players Championship, he decided enough was enough. When a fan interrupted his round, McIlroy demanded the man’s phone and walked off with it across the fairway. Though the phone was returned, the fan was ejected from the tournament.
Marcel Siem sets a course record while drunk
Playing golf under the influence is generally frowned upon — unless you’re Marcel Siem. The German pro revealed on a podcast that he once set three course records while drunk, including one during the third round of the 2015 Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Despite two mid-round vomiting breaks, he delivered one of the best performances of his career.
Shane Lowry forgets to mark his ball
In a rare mental lapse for a pro, Shane Lowry picked up his ball without marking it during the 2025 US Open. The mistake cost him a penalty stroke, but with Lowry already 14 over par and out of contention, he was able to laugh it off after the round.
McIlroy hits two balls with one swing
At the 2025 British Open, Rory McIlroy pulled off a bizarre feat. While hitting from the rough on the 11th hole, two balls flew out — one being a lost ball likely buried before the tournament. Some joked McIlroy had developed magical powers, but the explanation was far more mundane.
Charley Hull’s £10,000 bet to quit smoking
Quitting smoking is tough, even for elite athletes. To stay motivated, Charley Hull made a bold wager with fellow pro Ryan Evans.