The 2025 golf season was anything but dull—controversies, fan drama, rule debates, and unexpected headlines shaped the year.
From Ryder Cup drama to LIV-PGA clashes and viral moments at the Masters, 2025 delivered a whirlwind of headlines beyond the leaderboard. Here’s a look back at the most talked-about moments that defined the golf world this year.
Ryder Cup Chaos: Booing Fans, Rule Changes, and a Captain’s Dilemma
The 2025 Ryder Cup was full of surprises, none more so than Keegan Bradley’s dual role as captain and top-10 player in the rankings. Though eligible to play, he chose to stay on the sidelines, sparking debate after a rule tweak allowed captains to tee it up. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy faced hostile crowds, Shane Lowry escorted unruly fans to security, and controversy erupted over prize money—Team USA got paid, Team Europe didn’t. Viktor Hovland’s injury triggered a rare rule, awarding his opponent a half-point without a single shot played. And in a quieter controversy, a Ryder Cup shirt resembling McIlroy mysteriously vanished from merchandise shelves.
LIV vs. PGA, Equipment Failures, and Administrative Nightmares
Wesley Bryan’s appearance at a LIV-supported YouTube event led to a PGA Tour suspension, while Phil Mickelson decried the move as a blow to entrepreneurial freedom. Ironically, the event’s host, Grant Horvat, had been invited to PGA events. Meanwhile, Sophia Popov’s LPGA season was derailed by an administrative error: after playing three events, she was told she wasn’t eligible—losing points and prize money. Rory McIlroy’s driver failed a USGA test, sparking speculation about his Masters win, while Scottie Scheffler’s failed test stayed confidential. McIlroy questioned the selective leak.
Slow Play, Shot Clocks, and a Viral Bathroom Break
Slow play remained a hot topic. Tom Kim welcomed the TGL shot clock as therapy, while Alejandro Tosti was accused of using slow play as a tactic. At the Open Championship, rounds stretched to six hours, and J.J. Spaun was warned for taking over 50 seconds on a shot. Finally, Spanish amateur Jose Luis Ballester made headlines for relieving himself in Rae’s Creek during the Masters—an act that went viral in a club where even sitting on the grass is frowned upon.