The 2025 golf season was anything but boring: fan drama, rule debates, and offbeat moments stole the spotlight.
From rule controversies to viral moments, the 2025 golf season delivered drama far beyond the fairways. While athletic performances remained strong, headlines were dominated by unexpected twists, heated debates, and moments that left fans and players alike scratching their heads. Here’s a look back at a year full of surprises.
Ryder Cup Chaos: Booing Fans, Rule Changes, and a Captain’s Dilemma
The 2025 Ryder Cup was a theater of unexpected roles. Keegan Bradley, the U.S. team captain, found himself ranked ninth in the Ryder Cup standings after winning the Travelers Championship. The age-old question of whether a captain should play was reignited, leading to a rule change. Ultimately, Bradley stayed on the sidelines, a wise sporting decision but a dramatic letdown.
Meanwhile, fans took center stage—especially when Rory McIlroy faced a chorus of boos and distractions during his putts. Shane Lowry even escorted a fan to security. In a twist, only Team USA received official prize money in 2025, while Team Europe played for free. Scottie Scheffler stuck to his donation plan, and McIlroy quipped he’d pay to play on Ryder Cup Sunday.
Viktor Hovland missed his Sunday match due to a neck injury, triggering an old rule that awarded his opponent half a point without a single shot played. The decision split opinions. Elsewhere, a Ryder Cup merchandise shirt featuring a swing resembling McIlroy mysteriously vanished from the shop after backlash.
PGA vs. LIV, Tech Trouble, and Tour Card Turmoil
The PGA-LIV saga continued with Wesley Bryan suspended by the PGA Tour for participating in a LIV-backed YouTube event called “The Duels.” While Bryan defended his professionalism, Phil Mickelson called the suspension an attack on entrepreneurial freedom. Ironically, the event’s host, Grant Horvat, had been invited by the PGA Tour itself.
Sophia Popov’s season took a nosedive after the LPGA Tour mistakenly allowed her to play three events. Later, they revoked her points and prize money due to an administrative error, effectively ending her bid for a 2026 tour card.
Rory McIlroy’s driver failed a USGA test at the PGA Championship, sparking rumors about his Masters win. Though the PGA of America clarified the issue, the leak left McIlroy frustrated—especially since Scottie Scheffler’s failed driver test remained confidential.
Slow Play, Viral Moments, and Nature Calls
Slow play remained a hot topic. Tom Kim admitted the TGL shot clock helped him speed up, while Alejandro Tosti was accused of intentionally slowing play 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.
In perhaps the most bizarre moment of the year, Spanish amateur Jose Luis Ballester went viral after relieving himself in Rae’s Creek during the Masters. With no restroom nearby, he made a