The 2025 golf season was anything but boring—controversies, fan drama, rule debates and bizarre moments stole the spotlight.
From Ryder Cup drama to LIV Golf controversies, the 2025 golf season delivered a whirlwind of headlines beyond the fairways. While athletic performances impressed, it was the off-course narratives that often stole the show. Here’s a look back at the most talked-about moments of the year.
Ryder Cup Chaos: Booing Fans, Rule Changes and a Silent Captain
The 2025 Ryder Cup was full of unexpected twists. Team USA captain Keegan Bradley found himself ranked ninth in the Ryder Cup standings after winning the Travelers Championship—raising the age-old question: can a captain also play? A rule tweak reignited the debate, but Bradley opted to stay on the sidelines. Meanwhile, fans made their presence felt, especially targeting Rory McIlroy with boos and heckling. Shane Lowry even escorted a fan to security, free of charge—unlike Team USA, who were the only ones officially paid in 2025. McIlroy quipped he’d pay to play on Sunday. Viktor Hovland’s neck injury triggered a rarely used rule, awarding his opponent half a point without a single shot played. And then there was the Ryder Cup shop scandal—a shirt resembling McIlroy’s swing mysteriously disappeared from shelves.
PGA vs. LIV: Suspensions, YouTube and Mixed Messages
Wesley Bryan’s appearance in a LIV-supported YouTube event called “The Duels” led to an indefinite suspension by the PGA Tour. Bryan defended his intentions, while Phil Mickelson called it a blow to entrepreneurial freedom. Ironically, the host of the event, Grant Horvat, had been invited to a PGA event. The saga added another chapter to the ongoing PGA vs. LIV drama.
Tech Fails, Paperwork Errors and Bathroom Breaks
Rory McIlroy found himself at the center of a tech controversy when his driver failed a USGA test—information that was supposed to remain confidential. Speculation swirled about his Masters win until the PGA of America stepped in. Meanwhile, Scottie Scheffler also had a non-compliant club, but his identity stayed under wraps. Sophia Popov faced heartbreak after being told she could play on the LPGA Tour, only to later learn it was an administrative error