The 2025 golf season was anything but dull—controversies, rule debates, and viral moments stole the spotlight.
From Ryder Cup drama to viral mishaps, 2025 was a year that pushed golf beyond the fairways. While athletic performances were strong, headlines were dominated by fan behavior, rule confusion, and unexpected controversies. Here’s a look back at the most talked-about moments of the season.
Ryder Cup Chaos: Booing Fans, Rule Changes, and a Silent Captain
The 2025 Ryder Cup was full of plot twists. Keegan Bradley, appointed captain of Team USA, won the Travelers Championship and climbed to ninth in the Ryder Cup rankings—sparking debate over whether a captain should also play. A rule change made it possible, but Bradley opted to stay on the sidelines, a decision that was smart but anticlimactic.
Fans, however, brought the drama. Rory McIlroy faced loud boos and distractions during his matches, while Shane Lowry personally escorted a disruptive fan to security. Controversy also erupted over prize money: for the first time, only Team USA received official compensation. Scottie Scheffler pledged to donate his share, while McIlroy quipped he’d pay to play on Sunday.
Viktor Hovland’s neck injury triggered an old rule: his opponent received half a point without hitting a shot. The match was halved, and opinions were too. Meanwhile, a Ryder Cup shop shirt featuring a silhouette resembling McIlroy quietly disappeared after raising eyebrows.
PGA vs. LIV, Popov’s LPGA Nightmare, and Driver Drama
The PGA vs. LIV saga continued with Wesley Bryan’s suspension after appearing in a LIV-supported YouTube event. Ironically, the PGA Tour had invited Grant Horvat, the host. Phil Mickelson called the suspension an attack on entrepreneurial freedom, adding fuel to the ongoing feud.
Sophia Popov’s LPGA season ended in heartbreak. After receiving approval to play, she competed in three events—only to be told later she wasn’t eligible. Her points and prize money were revoked due to an “administrative error,” costing her a shot at regaining her tour card.
Rory McIlroy was at the center of a technical controversy when his driver failed a USGA test. Though confidential, the news leaked, prompting speculation about his Masters win. The PGA of America later cleared him, but the selective leak—especially as Scottie Scheffler’s failed test remained anonymous—left McIlroy frustrated.
Slow Play, Shot Clocks, and a Viral Creek Moment
Slow play remained a hot topic. Tom Kim embraced the TGL’s shot clock to improve his pace, while Alejandro Tosti was accused of intentionally slowing down to disrupt opponents. At the Open Championship, rounds stretched over six hours, and J.J. Spaun was warned for exceeding his routine time.
Finally, a bizarre moment at the Masters went viral: Spanish amateur Jose Luis Ballester, unable to find a restroom, relieved himself in Rae’s Creek. In a club where sitting on the grass is frowned upon, Ballester’s natural urgency earned