The 2025 golf season was anything but quiet – from fan incidents to rule chaos and bizarre moments, it had it all.
Golf in 2025 delivered plenty of athletic highlights, but the headlines were often dominated by off-course drama. From player controversies and fan behavior to rule disputes and oddball moments, the season was packed with debate, laughter, and the occasional scandal. Here’s our year in review.
Ryder Cup Drama: Booing Fans, Rule Changes, and a Silent Captain
The 2025 Ryder Cup was full of unexpected plot twists. Team USA captain Keegan Bradley found himself ranked ninth in Ryder Cup points after winning the Travelers Championship, sparking debate over whether a captain should also play. A rule change made it possible, but Bradley opted to stay on the sidelines—smart strategically, but a letdown theatrically.
Meanwhile, fans took center stage. Rory McIlroy endured boos and noise during putts, while Shane Lowry escorted a disruptive fan to security. The prize money debate flared up too: Team USA received official compensation for the first time, while Team Europe played for free. Scottie Scheffler pledged to donate his earnings, and McIlroy quipped he’d pay to play on Sunday.
Viktor Hovland’s neck injury triggered an old rule: his opponent received a half point without hitting a shot. Opinions were split. Adding to the oddities, a Ryder Cup shop shirt featuring a swing resembling McIlroy’s mysteriously vanished from shelves.
PGA vs. LIV, Popov’s Setback, and Equipment Controversies
The PGA-LIV saga continued with Wesley Bryan suspended for playing in a LIV-backed YouTube event. While Bryan defended his decision, Phil Mickelson called it a blow to entrepreneurial freedom. Ironically, the PGA Tour had invited the event’s host, Grant Horvat, to other events—confusing, to say the least.
LPGA pro Sophia Popov faced heartbreak after being told she could play, only to later learn it was an administrative error. Her points and prize money were revoked, ending her bid for a 2026 tour card.
Rory McIlroy made headlines when his driver failed a USGA test—information that was supposed to remain confidential. Speculation swirled about whether his Masters win was legitimate. The PGA of America stepped in to calm things, but questions lingered, especially since Scottie Scheffler’s failed test remained anonymous. McIlroy expressed frustration over the selective leak.
Slow Play, Shot Clocks, and a Viral Creek Moment
Slow play remained a hot topic. Tom Kim admitted the TGL’s shot clock helped him speed up, while Alejandro Tosti was accused of deliberately slowing down to disrupt opponents. At the Open Championship, rounds stretched to six hours, and J.J. Spaun received a warning for taking over 50 seconds on a shot.
And finally, a moment straight out of satire: Spanish amateur Jose Luis Ballester, playing at the Masters, couldn’t find a restroom and relieved himself in Rae’s Creek. The moment went viral—an unforgettable