The 2025 golf season was anything but dull—controversies, fan drama, rule debates and viral moments defined the year.
From Ryder Cup controversies to viral fan moments, 2025 proved that golf is more than just birdies and bogeys. The year was filled with unexpected twists, rule debates, and off-course drama that kept the headlines buzzing.
Ryder Cup Drama: Booing Fans and Coaching Dilemmas
Keegan Bradley’s win at the Travelers Championship sparked debate when he climbed to ninth in the Ryder Cup rankings—while also serving as Team USA’s captain. The age-old question of whether a captain can play was reignited, but Bradley ultimately stayed on the sidelines. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy faced relentless booing from American fans, and Shane Lowry escorted an unruly spectator to security. The prize money controversy added fuel to the fire: only Team USA received compensation, while Team Europe played for pride. Viktor Hovland’s neck injury triggered an old rule, awarding his opponent a half-point without a single shot played. And in a quieter controversy, a Ryder Cup shop shirt featuring a McIlroy-like silhouette mysteriously vanished from shelves.
PGA vs. LIV, Equipment Failures and Administrative Blunders
Wesley Bryan was suspended by the PGA Tour after appearing in a LIV-supported YouTube event, while Phil Mickelson criticized the move as a blow to entrepreneurial freedom. Ironically, the event’s host, Grant Horvat, had been invited by the PGA itself. Sophia Popov’s season took a hit when the LPGA Tour revoked her eligibility after she had already played three events—an “administrative error” that cost her points, prize money, and a shot at her tour card. Rory McIlroy’s driver failed a USGA test, sparking speculation about his Masters win. Scottie Scheffler’s driver also failed, but his identity remained protected, prompting McIlroy to question the selective leaks.
Slow Play, Shot Clocks and Viral Bathroom Breaks
Slow play remained a hot topic. Tom Kim welcomed the TGL’s shot clock as a helpful tool, while Alejandro Tosti was accused of using slow play to disrupt opponents. At The Open, rounds stretched to six hours under tough conditions, and J.J. Spaun was warned for exceeding the 50-second routine limit. Finally, Spanish amateur Jose Luis Ballester made headlines at the Masters—not for his play, but for relieving himself in Rae’s Creek when no restroom was nearby. The moment went viral, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the 2025 season.