From McIlroy’s phone incident to Siem’s drunken record, we recap the quirkiest golf moments of 2025.
Golf is often seen as a calm and etiquette-driven sport, but even here, bizarre and humorous moments find their way onto the course. From forgotten ball markers to high-stakes bets and unexpected trick shots, 2025 delivered its fair share of oddities. Here are some of the most curious golf moments of the year.
Rory McIlroy confiscates a fan’s phone
During a practice round at the Players Championship, Rory McIlroy had enough of a disruptive fan. After being heckled, McIlroy demanded the fan’s phone and walked off with it across the fairway. While the phone was eventually returned, the fan was escorted out of the tournament.
Marcel Siem sets course record while drunk
Playing golf under the influence is generally frowned upon, but Marcel Siem turned it into a legendary feat. In a podcast, the German pro revealed he set three course records while drunk, including one during the third round of the 2015 Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Despite two vomiting breaks, he called it one of the best rounds of his life.
Shane Lowry forgets to mark his ball at the US Open
At the 2025 US Open, Shane Lowry made a rare professional blunder. On the 14th hole, he picked up his ball without marking it, resulting in a penalty stroke. Already 14-over-par and out of contention, Lowry laughed off the mistake after his round.
McIlroy hits two balls with one swing
At the 2025 British Open, Rory McIlroy pulled off an unintentional magic trick. While hitting from the rough, a second ball unexpectedly flew out with his shot. Likely, a previously lost ball was dislodged by his swing, creating a moment of confusion and amusement.
Charley Hull’s £10,000 no-smoking bet
Quitting smoking is tough—even for elite athletes. In March, Charley Hull made a bold move to quit by betting fellow pro Ryan Evans £10,000 that she wouldn’t smoke until mid-May.