The 2025 golf season was anything but dull – from fan drama to rule chaos, the year delivered controversy and spectacle.
2025 was a year of strong performances on the course, but the headlines were dominated by off-course drama: player debates, fan behavior, rule disputes, and bizarre incidents. Here’s a look back at the most talked-about moments of the year.
Ryder Cup Chaos: Captains, Crowds and Controversy
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 – raising the age-old question: can a captain also play? A rule change reignited the debate, but Bradley ultimately stayed on the sidelines, opting for strategy over spectacle.
Meanwhile, fans made their presence felt. Rory McIlroy endured heckling and noise during putts, while Shane Lowry personally escorted a disruptive fan to security. Prize money sparked further debate: for the first time, only Team USA received official compensation. Scottie Scheffler pledged to donate his share, while McIlroy quipped he’d pay to play on Sunday.
Viktor Hovland’s neck injury triggered a rarely-used rule: his opponent received half a point without a single shot played. The decision split opinions. And in a quieter subplot, a Ryder Cup shirt featuring a swing resembling McIlroy mysteriously vanished from the merchandise shop.
PGA vs. LIV, Equipment Scandals and Bureaucratic Blunders
The PGA vs. LIV saga continued with Wesley Bryan suspended by the PGA Tour after appearing in a LIV-backed YouTube event. Ironically, the host of the channel, Grant Horvat, had been invited by the PGA itself. Phil Mickelson called the suspension a threat to entrepreneurial freedom.
Sophia Popov faced heartbreak after being cleared to play three LPGA events – only to be told afterward she wasn’t eligible. Her points and prize money were revoked due to an administrative error, effectively ending her bid for a 2026 tour card.
On the equipment front, Rory McIlroy was at the center of a technical controversy when his driver failed a USGA test. Though the results were supposed to be confidential, they leaked, prompting speculation about his Masters win. The PGA of America stepped in to calm the storm. Ironically, Scottie Scheffler’s driver also failed – but his identity remained protected, leaving McIlroy frustrated by the selective leak.
Slow Play, Shot Clocks and a Viral Creek Incident
Pace of play remained a hot topic. Tom Kim admitted the TGL’s shot clock helped him speed up, while Alejandro Tosti was accused of deliberately slowing down to disrupt opponents.