From McIlroy’s phone incident to Siem’s drunken course record — a look back at golf’s strangest moments of 2025.
Golf is typically a sport of etiquette and calm, but even this refined game has its share of bizarre moments. From forgotten ball markers and drunken course records to high-stakes bets to quit smoking, 2025 delivered its fair share of oddities. Here’s our roundup of the year’s quirkiest golf stories.
Rory McIlroy confiscates a fan’s phone
Rory McIlroy is no stranger to hecklers, but during a practice round ahead of the Players Championship, he had enough. After a fan interrupted his swing, McIlroy demanded the man’s phone and walked off with it across the fairway. The fan eventually got his phone back — but not his tournament access.
Marcel Siem sets course record while drunk
Playing golf under the influence is usually a recipe for disaster — unless you’re Marcel Siem. The German pro revealed on a podcast that he once set three course records while drunk, including during the third round of the 2015 Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Despite two vomiting breaks, he played one of the best rounds of his life.
Shane Lowry forgets to mark his ball at the US Open
It’s a mistake most amateurs can relate to, but rarely seen at the pro level. At the 2025 US Open, Shane Lowry picked up his ball on the 14th hole without marking it first, earning a penalty stroke. Already 14-over-par and well outside the cut, Lowry laughed off the blunder afterward.
McIlroy hits two balls with one swing
During the 2025 British Open, Rory McIlroy pulled off a trick even he hadn’t seen before. While hitting from the rough on the 11th hole, two balls flew out — one being a lost ball likely buried before the tournament. Magic? Not quite, but certainly memorable.
Charley Hull bets £10,000 to quit smoking
Quitting smoking is tough — even for elite athletes. To motivate herself, Char