From McIlroy’s phone incident to Siem’s drunken course record — a look back at golf’s quirkiest moments of 2025.
Golf is known for its traditions and etiquette, but even this refined sport has its share of bizarre and humorous moments. From forgotten ball markers to a £10,000 bet to quit smoking, 2025 delivered some unforgettable oddities. Here’s our roundup of the strangest golf moments of the year.
Rory McIlroy Confiscates a Fan’s Phone
During a practice round ahead of the Players Championship, Rory McIlroy had enough of fan interruptions. When one particularly disruptive spectator shouted out, McIlroy demanded the fan’s phone and walked off with it across the fairway. The fan eventually got his phone back but was removed from the tournament grounds. Read more.
Marcel Siem Sets Course Record While Drunk
Playing golf under the influence is generally frowned upon, but Marcel Siem turned it into a record-breaking performance. In a podcast, the German pro revealed he once set a course record during the third round of the 2015 Pebble Beach Pro-Am — despite being so hungover he had to stop twice to vomit. Read more.
Shane Lowry Forgets to Mark His Ball
At the 2025 U.S. Open, Shane Lowry made a rare rookie mistake — he picked up his ball on the 14th hole without marking it first. The resulting penalty didn’t affect his tournament much, as he was already 14-over-par and far from making the cut. Lowry laughed it off post-round. Read more.
McIlroy Hits Two Balls with One Swing
During the 2025 British Open, McIlroy hit a shot from the rough — and to everyone’s surprise, two balls flew out. The second ball was likely a lost one buried in the grass, but it made for a magical moment. Read more.
Charley Hull’s £10,000 No-Smoking Bet
Charley Hull made a bold move to quit smoking by betting fellow pro Ryan Evans £10,000 that she wouldn’t light up again before mid-May. She won the bet — and said it was surprisingly easy.