From McIlroy’s phone incident to Siem’s drunken record – we look back at the quirkiest golf moments of 2025.
Golf is traditionally a sport of etiquette and composure, but even in this refined world, bizarre moments are bound to happen. From forgotten ball markers to a £10,000 bet to quit smoking and even drunken course records, 2025 delivered its fair share of oddities. Here are some of the most curious golf moments of the year.
Rory McIlroy confiscates a fan’s phone
Rory McIlroy is no stranger to hecklers, but during a practice round at the Players Championship, he had enough. When a fan interrupted his routine, McIlroy took the fan’s phone and walked off with it down the fairway. The phone was returned, but 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 three course records while intoxicated, including one 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 2025 U.S. Open, Shane Lowry made a rare mistake for a pro. On the 14th hole, he picked up his ball without marking it, resulting in a penalty stroke. Already 14-over-par and out of contention, Lowry laughed off the blunder after the round.
McIlroy hits two balls with one swing
During the 2025 British Open, Rory McIlroy pulled off an accidental magic trick. While hitting from the rough on the 11th hole, two balls flew out. The second ball was likely a lost one 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. Charley Hull made it interesting by betting fellow pro Ryan Evans £10,000 that she wouldn’t smoke until mid-May.