The 2025 golf season had it all: fan drama, rule debates, technical fails and viral moments that shook the sport.
From Ryder Cup controversies to viral Masters moments, 2025 proved that golf is anything but boring. While athletic performances impressed, it was often the off-course drama that made headlines. Here’s a look back at a year full of debate, disruption and a few laughs.
Ryder Cup Chaos: Booing Fans and Captain Dilemmas
The 2025 Ryder Cup was a stage for unexpected subplots. Keegan Bradley, the U.S. captain, found himself ranked ninth in the Ryder Cup standings after winning the Travelers Championship. The age-old question of whether a captain should play was reignited, but Bradley opted to stay on the sidelines—smart, but anticlimactic.
Meanwhile, fans made their presence felt. Rory McIlroy faced loud boos and distractions, while Shane Lowry personally escorted a disruptive fan to security. Prize money became a hot topic too—only Team USA received official payouts, while Team Europe played for pride. Scottie Scheffler stuck to his donation plan, and McIlroy quipped he’d pay to play on Sunday.
Injuries also stirred debate. Viktor Hovland’s neck injury triggered an old rule: his opponent earned half a point without hitting a shot. Opinions were split on the fairness. And then there was the merchandise scandal—a shirt featuring a silhouette resembling McIlroy quietly disappeared from the Ryder Cup shop.
PGA vs. LIV, Popov’s Paperwork and Driver Drama
The PGA-LIV saga added another chapter when Wesley Bryan was suspended for playing in a LIV-backed YouTube event. Ironically, the PGA had invited the event’s host, Grant Horvat, to their own tournaments. Phil Mickelson called the suspension an attack on entrepreneurial freedom.
On the LPGA Tour, Sophia Popov’s season was derailed by an administrative error. After being told she could play, she competed in three events—only to be retroactively disqualified. Her points and earnings were revoked, ending her bid for a 2026 tour card.
Rory McIlroy also found himself in hot water when his driver failed a USGA test at the PGA Championship. Though the results were supposed to be confidential, they leaked, sparking speculation about his Masters win. The PGA of America later clarified the situation, but the selective leak—especially since Scottie Scheffler’s failed test remained anonymous—left McIlroy frustrated.
Slow Play, Shot Clocks and Viral Creek Moments
Slow play remained a hot topic. Tom Kim admitted the TGL’s shot clock helped him speed up, while Alejandro Tosti was accused of intentionally slowing down to disrupt opponents. At The Open, six-hour rounds tested everyone’s patience. J.J. Spaun even received a warning for taking over 50 seconds on a shot.
And finally, the most bizarre moment of the year: Spanish amateur Jose Luis Ballester went viral during the Masters—not for his play, but for relieving himself in Rae’s Creek when no restroom was nearby. In a club where sitting on the grass