From McIlroy’s phone incident to Siem’s drunken course record — a look back at golf’s quirkiest moments of 2025.
Golf is often seen as a serious sport, steeped in etiquette and calm. But even in this refined world, bizarre moments are never far away. From forgotten ball markers and wild bets to unexpected double shots, 2025 delivered its fair share of oddities. Here are some of the most curious golf moments of the year.
Rory McIlroy confiscates a fan’s phone
Rory McIlroy is no stranger to fan interruptions, but during a practice round at the Players Championship, he had enough. After a fan shouted during his swing, McIlroy demanded the man’s phone and walked off with it down the fairway. The fan eventually got his phone back — but not his spot at the tournament, as he was escorted out.
Marcel Siem sets course record — drunk
Playing golf while drunk is usually a recipe for disaster. But not for German pro Marcel Siem. In a podcast, Siem revealed he once set three course records while intoxicated, including one during the third round of the 2015 Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Despite taking two breaks to vomit, he called it 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 far from the cut, Lowry laughed off the blunder after the round.
McIlroy accidentally hits two balls at once
During the 2025 British Open, McIlroy pulled off an unintentional magic trick. While hitting from the rough on the 11th hole, two balls flew out — his own and a previously lost one buried in the grass. A rare sight, even for McIlroy.
Charley Hull’s £10,000 no-smoking bet
Quitting smoking is tough — even for elite athletes. Charley Hull made it interesting by betting fellow pro Ryan Evans £10,000 that she wouldn’t smoke until mid-May.