From McIlroy’s phone snatch to Siem’s drunken course record—2025 delivered some truly bizarre golf moments.
Golf is a sport known for its etiquette and quiet precision, but even the most disciplined game has its oddities. In 2025, the golf world saw everything from forgotten ball markers and bizarre rules infractions to a £10,000 bet to quit smoking. Here’s our roundup of the strangest moments from the past year.
Rory McIlroy confiscates a fan’s phone
During a practice round ahead of the Players Championship, Rory McIlroy had enough of a disruptive fan. After the fan interrupted play, McIlroy demanded the man’s phone and walked off with it down the fairway. While the phone was eventually returned, the fan was escorted out of the tournament.
Marcel Siem’s drunken course record
Playing drunk is usually a recipe for disaster—but not for Marcel Siem. The German pro revealed on a podcast that he once set a course record at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am in 2015 while heavily intoxicated. Despite taking two breaks to vomit, he called it one of the best rounds of his life.
Shane Lowry forgets to mark his ball
At the 2025 U.S. Open, Shane Lowry made a rare rookie mistake. On the 14th hole, he picked up his ball without marking it first, earning a penalty stroke. Already 14 over par and out of contention, Lowry laughed off the blunder after his round.
McIlroy hits two balls at once
During the 2025 British Open, Rory McIlroy pulled off an unintentional trick shot. While hitting from the rough on the 11th hole, a second ball unexpectedly flew out alongside his own. It was likely a lost ball from earlier in the tournament, dislodged by McIlroy’s swing.
Charley Hull’s £10,000 no-smoking bet
Quitting smoking is tough—even for elite athletes. In March, Charley Hull made a bold bet with fellow pro Ryan Evans: £10,000 if she