The 2025 golf season was anything but dull — from fan drama to rule chaos and viral moments, here’s the year’s biggest headlines.
From Ryder Cup controversies to viral Masters moments, 2025 delivered a rollercoaster of headlines beyond the leaderboard. While athletic performances impressed, it was often the off-course drama that stole the spotlight. Here’s a look back at a year full of debates, disputes, and downright bizarre moments in golf.
Ryder Cup Drama: Booing Fans and Rule Reboots
The 2025 Ryder Cup was a stage for unexpected storylines. Captain Keegan Bradley, after winning the Travelers Championship, climbed to ninth in the Ryder Cup rankings — as a captain. The age-old debate over playing captains was reignited, but Bradley ultimately stayed on the sidelines, opting for strategy over spectacle.
Meanwhile, fans made their presence felt — especially Rory McIlroy, who endured boos and heckling throughout. Shane Lowry even escorted a disruptive fan to security. The prize money debate added fuel: 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.
Viktor Hovland’s neck injury triggered a rarely used rule: his opponent earned half a point by default. The match was halved — and so were opinions. Even the merchandise wasn’t safe from controversy, as a shirt resembling McIlroy’s swing mysteriously vanished from the Ryder Cup shop.
PGA vs. LIV, Equipment Failures, and Bureaucratic Blunders
The PGA-LIV saga continued with Wesley Bryan’s suspension after appearing in a LIV-backed YouTube event. Ironically, the PGA had invited the host, Grant Horvat, to a separate event. Phil Mickelson called the ban an attack on entrepreneurial freedom, highlighting the ongoing tension between tours.
On the LPGA side, Sophia Popov’s season was derailed by an administrative error. After being told she could compete, she played three events — only to be retroactively disqualified. Her points and earnings were revoked, ending her bid for a 2026 tour card.
Equipment scrutiny also made headlines. Rory McIlroy’s driver failed a USGA test — a result that was supposed to remain confidential. Rumors swirled about his Masters win, though the PGA of America later clarified the situation. Scottie Scheffler’s driver also failed, but his identity remained protected, prompting McIlroy to question the selective leaks.
Slow Play, Shot Clocks, and a Viral Creek Moment
Pace of play remained a hot topic. Tom Kim embraced the TGL’s shot clock to speed up his routine, while Alejandro Tosti was accused of intentionally slowing down to disrupt opponents. At the Open Championship, rounds stretched to six hours, and J.J. Spaun received a warning for exceeding the 50-second shot routine limit.
Finally, the most bizarre moment of the year: Spanish amateur Jose Luis Ballester, playing at the Masters, found himself in urgent need of a restroom. With none nearby, he relieved himself in