From McIlroy’s phone snatch to Siem’s drunken course records — we recap golf’s weirdest moments of 2025.
Golf is typically a sport of etiquette and calm, but even in this refined world, bizarre moments are bound to happen. From forgotten ball markers to a £10,000 bet to quit smoking, 2025 delivered its fair share of oddities. Here are some of the most curious golf stories from the past year.
Rory McIlroy confiscates a fan’s phone
During a practice round ahead of the Players Championship, Rory McIlroy was interrupted by a fan shouting mid-swing. In response, McIlroy demanded the fan’s phone and walked off with it down the fairway. While the phone was eventually returned, the fan was escorted out of the tournament. Read more here.
Marcel Siem sets course record—while drunk
German golfer Marcel Siem revealed on a podcast that he once set three course records while intoxicated, including during the third round of the 2015 Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Despite two mid-round vomiting breaks, Siem played one of the best rounds of his life. Read more here.
Shane Lowry forgets to mark his ball at the US Open
At the 2025 US Open, Shane Lowry made a rare pro blunder by picking up his ball on the 14th hole without marking it first, resulting in a penalty stroke. Already 14-over-par and out of contention, Lowry laughed off the mistake after the round. Read more here.
McIlroy hits two balls with one swing
During the British Open, McIlroy hit a shot from the rough and, to everyone’s surprise, two balls flew out. The likely explanation? A previously lost ball was dislodged by his swing. Read more here.
Charley Hull’s £10,000 no-smoking bet
To motivate herself to quit smoking, Charley Hull made a bold bet with fellow pro Ryan Evans: if she smoked before mid-May, she’d owe him £10,000. She succeeded and said it was surprisingly easy. Read