The 2025 golf season was anything but dull – from fan drama to rule chaos, it was a year full of headlines and heated debates.
From Ryder Cup controversies to rulebook revivals and viral moments, 2025 delivered a season of golf that was as dramatic off the course as it was on it. Here’s a look back at the most talked-about moments of the year.
Ryder Cup Drama: Boos, Rules, and a Captain’s Dilemma
The 2025 Ryder Cup was defined by unexpected storylines. 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 play. A rule change allowed it, but Bradley chose to stay on the sidelines – a wise move competitively, but a letdown for drama lovers.
Meanwhile, the fans took center stage. Rory McIlroy faced a barrage of boos and noise while putting, and Shane Lowry had to escort a fan to security. In a twist, only Team USA received prize money in 2025 – a first – while Team Europe played for pride. Scottie Scheffler pledged to donate his earnings, and McIlroy quipped he’d pay to play on Sunday.
Viktor Hovland’s neck injury triggered an old rule: his match was halved without a single shot played. Opinions were split. And in a quieter controversy, a Ryder Cup shop shirt featuring a swing silhouette 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 called it a blow to entrepreneurial freedom, especially since YouTuber Grant Horvat – the event host – had been invited by the PGA Tour itself.
LPGA pro Sophia Popov experienced heartbreak after being told she could play, only to have her starts revoked due to an administrative error. Her points and prize money were stripped, ending her bid for a 2026 tour card.
Rory McIlroy’s driver failed a USGA test – a result that should have remained confidential but leaked anyway. Speculation swirled about whether his Masters win was tainted. The PGA of America clarified, but questions lingered. Scottie Scheffler’s driver also failed, but his identity remained protected. McIlroy voiced frustration over the selective leak.
Slow Play, Shot Clocks, and a Viral Creek Moment
Slow play persisted as a hot topic. Tom Kim praised TGL’s shot clock for helping his pace, while Alejandro Tosti was accused of using slowness as a tactic. At the Open Championship, rounds stretched to six hours. J.J. Spaun was even warned for exceeding the 50-second shot routine limit.
And finally, a moment that went viral for all the wrong reasons: Spanish amateur Jose Luis Ballester, playing at the Masters, relieved himself in Rae’s Creek due to a lack of nearby restrooms. In a club where sitting on the