From McIlroy’s phone incident to Siem’s drunken course records – a look back at golf’s most bizarre moments of 2025.
Golf is often seen as a serious sport, defined by etiquette and quiet concentration. But even in this refined world, strange and hilarious moments are bound to happen. From forgotten ball markers to a £10,000 bet to quit smoking and record-breaking rounds under the influence, 2025 brought its fair share of oddities. Here are some of the most curious moments from the past golf year.
Rory McIlroy confiscates a fan’s phone
Rory McIlroy is no stranger to hecklers, but during a practice round at the Players Championship, he had enough. When a fan interrupted his routine, McIlroy demanded the fan’s phone and walked off with it down the fairway. The phone was eventually returned, but the fan was escorted out of the tournament.
Marcel Siem sets course record while drunk
Playing golf while drunk is usually a recipe for disaster — unless you’re Marcel Siem. The German pro revealed on a podcast that he once set three course records while intoxicated, including one during the third round of the 2015 Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Despite two mid-round vomiting breaks, he played one of the best rounds of his life.
Shane Lowry forgets to mark his ball at the US Open
It’s a mistake every amateur can relate to — but rarely seen at the pro level. At the 2025 US Open, Shane Lowry picked up his ball on the 14th green without marking it, earning a penalty stroke. Already 14-over-par and out of contention, Lowry laughed it off after the round.
McIlroy hits two balls at once
During the British Open, McIlroy pulled off a trick even he hadn’t seen before. While hitting from the rough on the 11th hole, two balls flew out — the second likely a lost ball from a previous group. Some joked McIlroy had started conjuring golf balls out of thin air.
Charley Hull’s £10,000 bet to quit smoking
Quitting smoking is tough — even for elite athletes. To motivate herself,