The 2025 golf season was anything but dull: fan outbursts, rule debates, and plenty of drama on and off the course.
From Ryder Cup controversies to viral moments at the Masters, 2025 delivered a golf season full of unexpected twists. While the sport saw impressive performances, the headlines were often dominated by off-course drama, fan behavior, and rule confusion. Here’s a look back at the most talked-about moments of the year.
Ryder Cup Drama: Fans, Rules, and a Captain’s Dilemma
The 2025 Ryder Cup was a stage for unexpected storylines. Keegan Bradley, named captain of Team USA, found himself ranked ninth in the player standings after winning the Travelers Championship. The age-old question of whether a captain can also play was reignited, but Bradley ultimately chose to stay on the sidelines. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy faced relentless heckling from American fans, and Shane Lowry had to personally escort a disruptive spectator to security. Prize money also stirred debate, as only Team USA received official compensation, prompting McIlroy to quip he’d pay to play on Sunday. Viktor Hovland’s injury triggered a rarely used match-absence rule, awarding his opponent a half-point without a single shot. Even the merchandise wasn’t safe from controversy, as a shirt resembling McIlroy’s silhouette quietly disappeared from the Ryder Cup shop.
PGA vs. LIV, Equipment Failures, and Administrative Blunders
The ongoing PGA vs. LIV saga took another turn when Wesley Bryan was suspended for appearing in a LIV-backed YouTube event, despite the PGA Tour previously inviting the host, Grant Horvat. Sophia Popov faced heartbreak after being told she could play on the LPGA Tour—only to later learn it was a mistake. Her results and earnings were voided, ending her bid for a tour card. Rory McIlroy’s driver failed a USGA test at the PGA Championship, sparking rumors about his Masters win. While Scottie Scheffler’s driver also failed, his identity remained protected, leaving McIlroy frustrated by selective leaks.
Slow Play, Viral Moments, and the Lighter Side of Golf
Slow play remained a hot topic. Tom Kim credited the TGL shot clock for helping him speed up, while Alejandro Tosti was accused of using slow play as a tactic. At the Open Championship, rounds stretched to six hours, and J.J. Spaun received a warning for exceeding routine time. Finally, in a moment that went viral, Spanish amateur Jose Luis Ballester relieved himself in Rae’s Creek during the Masters due to a lack of nearby restrooms—earning applause and a place in golf’s most bizarre moments of 2025.