The 2025 golf season was anything but dull – from fan drama to rule chaos and surprising twists, here’s the year’s biggest stories.
From heated debates to bizarre incidents, 2025 delivered a rollercoaster of headlines in the golf world. While athletic performances were strong, the spotlight often shifted to off-course drama, fan behavior, and rule controversies. Here’s a look back at the most talked-about moments of the year.
Ryder Cup Chaos: Booing Fans, Rule Reboots, and a Captain’s Dilemma
The 2025 Ryder Cup was full of unexpected storylines. Team USA captain Keegan Bradley found himself ranked ninth after winning the Travelers Championship, sparking renewed debate over whether a captain should also play. Despite a rule change allowing it, Bradley chose to stay on the sidelines—strategically smart, but narratively anticlimactic.
Meanwhile, fans took center stage, especially when Rory McIlroy faced loud booing and distractions during play. Shane Lowry even escorted a fan to security. In a controversial twist, only Team USA received official prize money in 2025, while Team Europe played for free. Scottie Scheffler stuck to his donation plan, and McIlroy quipped he’d pay to play Sunday at the Ryder Cup.
Viktor Hovland’s neck injury triggered an old rule: his opponent earned half a point without a single shot. The match was halved, and so were opinions. Adding to the drama, a Ryder Cup shirt featuring a swing resembling McIlroy quietly vanished from the merchandise shop.
LIV vs. PGA, Popov’s LPGA Nightmare, and Driver Drama
The LIV Golf vs. PGA Tour saga continued when Wesley Bryan was suspended after appearing in a LIV-backed YouTube event, “The Duels.” Ironically, the PGA had invited the host, Grant Horvat, to another event. Phil Mickelson criticized the suspension as a blow to entrepreneurial freedom.
Sophia Popov faced heartbreak after being wrongly cleared to play three LPGA events. The tour later revoked her points and earnings due to an administrative error, derailing her bid for a 2026 tour card.
Rory McIlroy’s driver failed a USGA test at the PGA Championship, sparking speculation about his Masters win. Though the issue was meant to remain confidential, it leaked—unlike Scottie Scheffler’s similar case, which stayed anonymous. McIlroy expressed frustration at the selective disclosure.
Slow Play, Shot Clocks, and a Viral Creek Incident
Slow play remained a hot topic. Tom Kim credited the TGL shot clock for helping his pace, while Alejandro Tosti was accused of deliberately slowing down to disrupt opponents. At the Open Championship