The 2025 golf season was anything but dull—controversies, fan drama, rule debates and bizarre moments made headlines.
From Ryder Cup drama to LIV-PGA tensions, the 2025 golf season delivered more than just birdies and bogeys. It was a year of unexpected headlines, heated debates, and viral moments that kept fans talking long after the final putt dropped.
Ryder Cup Chaos: Booing Fans and Rule Reboots
The 2025 Ryder Cup was full of surprises, none more so than Keegan Bradley’s dual role as captain and top-10 player. After winning the Travelers Championship, Bradley climbed to ninth in the Ryder Cup rankings—sparking debate over whether a captain should also play. A rule change allowed it, but Bradley opted to stay on the sidelines, a smart move competitively, but a letdown theatrically.
Meanwhile, fans took center stage. Rory McIlroy faced a chorus of boos and heckling during his matches, while Shane Lowry personally escorted a disruptive fan to security. The prize money debate also flared up: 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.
One player who didn’t tee it up on Sunday was Viktor Hovland, sidelined by a neck injury. His absence triggered an old Ryder Cup rule: his opponent received half a point by default. The match was halved—opinions were not.
Even the merchandise sparked controversy. A Ryder Cup shirt featuring a swing silhouette resembling McIlroy quietly disappeared from the shop after backlash.
PGA vs. LIV: Suspensions and Double Standards
The PGA-LIV saga continued with the suspension of Wesley Bryan after he played in “The Duels,” a YouTube event backed by LIV. Despite claiming he took his career seriously, Bryan was banned indefinitely. Phil Mickelson called the move an attack on entrepreneurial freedom. Ironically, Grant Horvat—the host of the event—had been invited to a PGA Tour event, highlighting the inconsistency.
Elsewhere, Sophia Popov’s season was derailed by a paperwork error. After receiving LPGA approval to play, she competed in three events—only to be told she wasn’t eligible. Her points and earnings were revoked, ending her bid for a 2026 tour card.
Tech Fails, Slow Play and Viral Moments
Rory McIlroy found himself in hot water when his driver failed a USGA test. Though the results were meant to be confidential, the news leaked, sparking speculation about his Masters win. The PGA of America later clarified the issue, but the damage was done. Scottie Scheffler’s driver also failed—but his identity remained protected. McIlroy voiced frustration over the selective leaking.
Slow 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. At the Open Championship, rounds stretched to six hours, and J.J. Spaun was warned for exceeding the