From ball kicks to rule mistakes and slow-play warnings – we look back at the quirkiest and most memorable moments of the year.
Mishaps and rule breaches don’t just happen among amateurs; professional golf saw its share of intriguing rule incidents in 2025. As the year ends, we review the biggest blunders and most interesting rule infractions in pro golf. Several standout scenarios unfolded in 2025 where players faced sometimes novel situations, leading to varied consequences from officials.
Bud Cauley Accidentally Steps on Ball – No Penalty Thanks to Rule 9.6
On the final Sunday of the 2025 Players Championship, alongside a long weather delay, a peculiar incident occurred: Bud Cauley accidentally stepped on his playing partner Lucas Glover’s ball. The golf rules immediately clarified the situation – under Rule 9.6, movement of a ball caused by an external influence is penalty-free, allowing Glover to replace his ball at its original spot. This also highlights different rules: balls moved by natural forces must be played from their new position, whereas a ball already replaced on the green must always be put back to its marked spot regardless of cause.
Shane Lowry Commits Rare Rule Violation at US Open but Takes Double Bogey in Stride
During the second round of the 2025 US Open at Oakmont Country Club, Shane Lowry made a rare rules mistake: on the 14th green, he lifted his ball without marking it first, violating Rule 14.1 and incurring a penalty stroke that turned the hole into a double bogey. Lowry, already well over par and later missing the cut, took the error with humor, calling it “one of the dumbest things” he’s done. Fellow competitor Rory McIlroy laughed it off. Lowry marked properly afterwards, continued playing, and stressed he fought for every stroke despite the mishap.
Self-Disqualification and Slow Play Highlights from 2025 Pro Golf
At the Amundi German Masters 2025, US pro Hannah Gregg disqualified herself after signing an incorrect scorecard with a lower stroke recorded on the 14th hole than actually played, triggering automatic disqualification under Rule 3.3b(3). Discovering the error after leaving the course, she promptly reported it to the tour, earning widespread praise on social media for her honesty. Slow play also drew attention at the 2025 British Open, with complaints about extremely slow rounds amid challenging course setups and weather. US Open winner J.J. Spaun was officially warned for exceeding allowed time on a shot, adding pressure in his cut battle. Additionally, Marcel Siem was disqualified on the DP World Tour after playing a provisional ball incorrectly and signing an inaccurate card, emphasizing the harsh consequences of unintentional errors in pro golf rules.