The 2025 golf season was anything but dull: from fan outbursts to rule chaos and viral drama, it had it all.
From Ryder Cup controversies to LIV-PGA tensions, the 2025 golf season delivered more than just athletic excellence. It was a year of heated debates, unexpected twists, and moments that left fans and players alike scratching their heads.
Ryder Cup Drama: Captains, Fans and Forgotten Rules
The 2025 Ryder Cup was full of unexpected storylines. Team USA captain Keegan Bradley found himself ranked ninth in the player standings after winning the Travelers Championship, reigniting the debate over whether a captain can also play. A rule change allowed it, but Bradley chose to stay on the sidelines—smart tactically, but a letdown theatrically.
Meanwhile, fans took center stage. Rory McIlroy was met with boos and noise while putting, and Shane Lowry had to escort an unruly fan to security. Prize money also stirred controversy: for the first time, only Team USA received official compensation. McIlroy quipped he’d pay to play on Sunday, while Scottie Scheffler stuck to his donation plans.
Viktor Hovland’s neck injury triggered an old rule: his opponent received half a point without a single shot played. The match was tied; opinions were not. And then there was the merchandise mishap—a shirt in the Ryder Cup store featured a swing eerily similar to McIlroy’s and was quietly removed.
LIV vs. PGA, Equipment Failures and Administrative Blunders
Wesley Bryan’s appearance in a LIV-backed YouTube event led to his indefinite suspension by the PGA Tour, despite the Tour having invited the host, Grant Horvat, to other events. Phil Mickelson called it a blow to entrepreneurial freedom. The PGA-LIV saga continued.
On the LPGA side, Sophia Popov was told she could play—then told she couldn’t. After competing in three events, she learned her starts were invalid due to an administrative error. Her points and prize money were revoked, ending her bid for a 2026 tour card.
Rory McIlroy’s driver failed a USGA test at the PGA Championship, sparking rumors about his Masters win. The leak was supposed to be confidential, and McIlroy questioned why only his name surfaced. Scottie Scheffler’s driver also failed—but remained anonymous.
Slow Play, Shot Clocks and One Viral Bathroom Break
Slow play remained a hot topic. Tom Kim admitted the TGL 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. J.J. Spaun even received a warning for taking over 50 seconds on a shot.
And finally