The 2025 golf season was anything but dull—controversies, fan drama, rule chaos and unexpected headlines defined the year.
From rule debates to fan outbursts, 2025 delivered a whirlwind of off-course drama and on-course surprises. While athletic performances were strong, the headlines often belonged to unexpected characters and curious incidents. Here’s a look back at the most talked-about moments in golf this year.
Ryder Cup Drama: Booing Fans and Captain Controversies
The 2025 Ryder Cup was a theater of unexpected roles. Keegan Bradley, serving as captain, found himself ranked ninth after winning the Travelers Championship, sparking debate over whether a captain should also play. Ultimately, he chose to stay on the sidelines, a smart move competitively but a letdown for drama lovers.
Meanwhile, fans took center stage—especially in their treatment of Rory McIlroy, who endured boos and distractions. Shane Lowry even escorted a heckler to security. Adding to the tension, only Team USA received prize money, a first in Ryder Cup history. McIlroy quipped he’d pay to play on Sunday, while Scottie Scheffler stuck to his donation plan.
Viktor Hovland’s neck injury triggered a rarely-used rule, awarding his opponent a half-point without a single shot played. Opinions were split. And then there was the merchandise scandal—a shirt featuring a silhouette resembling McIlroy quietly vanished from the Ryder Cup shop.
LIV vs. PGA, Tech Fails and Tour Card Troubles
The PGA-LIV saga continued with Wesley Bryan suspended for appearing in a LIV-supported YouTube event. Ironically, the PGA Tour had invited the channel’s host, Grant Horvat, to a previous event. Phil Mickelson called the suspension a blow to entrepreneurial freedom.
Sophia Popov faced heartbreak after the LPGA Tour mistakenly allowed her to play three events—only to revoke her points and earnings due to an administrative error, effectively ending her tour card hopes.
Tech drama hit when Rory McIlroy’s driver failed a USGA test. Though meant to be confidential, the news leaked, raising questions about his Masters win. The PGA of America eventually calmed the storm. Ironically, Scottie Scheffler’s driver also failed—but his identity remained protected. McIlroy wasn’t pleased with the selective leaks.
Slow Play, Shot Clocks and One Viral Creek Moment
Slow play remained a hot topic. Tom Kim praised TGL’s shot clock for helping him speed up. Alejandro Tosti, however, was accused of using slow play to