From McIlroy’s phone incident to Siem’s boozy course record—2025 brought some truly bizarre golf moments.
Golf is typically a sport of decorum and quiet concentration, but even this refined game has its share of strange and humorous moments. From forgotten ball markers to a £10,000 bet to quit smoking, 2025 delivered a variety of quirky stories. Here’s our roundup 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 phone and walked off with it down the fairway. The fan eventually got the phone back—but was escorted out of the tournament.
Marcel Siem sets course record—while drunk
Playing golf while intoxicated is usually a recipe for disaster—but not for Marcel Siem. In a podcast, the German pro revealed he once set three course records while drunk, including during the third round of the 2015 Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Despite pausing twice to vomit, he played one of the best rounds of his life.
Shane Lowry forgets to mark his ball
At the 2025 U.S. Open, Shane Lowry made a rare rookie mistake. On the 14th hole, he picked up his ball without marking it, earning a penalty stroke. Already 14-over-par and out of contention, Lowry laughed it off after the round.
McIlroy hits two balls at once
During the 2025 British Open, Rory 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. Though some joked he was conjuring golf balls, it was likely just a buried ball dislodged by his swing.
Charley Hull’s £10,000 no-smoking bet
Quitting smoking is tough—even for elite athletes. In March, Charley Hull made a bold move to quit.