From fan outbursts to rule chaos and viral moments—2025 was a dramatic year in golf history.
Golf in 2025 was anything but boring. While athletic performances impressed, headlines were dominated by controversies, fan behavior, rule debates, and bizarre incidents. Here’s our year in review.
Ryder Cup Drama: Booing Fans and a Playing Captain Dilemma
The 2025 Ryder Cup was full of unexpected storylines. Captain Keegan Bradley, after winning the Travelers Championship, climbed to ninth in the Ryder Cup rankings—sparking debate over whether a captain should also play. A rule change allowed it, but Bradley opted to stay on the sidelines, a wise move competitively, though less exciting narratively.
Fans made their own headlines, especially targeting Rory McIlroy with boos and distractions. Shane Lowry escorted a fan to security, and controversy erupted over prize money: for the first time, only Team USA received official compensation. Scottie Scheffler pledged to donate his, 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 by default. The match was tied—opinions were not. Meanwhile, a Ryder Cup shop shirt resembling McIlroy quietly vanished from shelves after sparking a silhouette scandal.
PGA vs. LIV and the Battle for Playing Rights
The line between entertainment and competition blurred when Wesley Bryan was suspended by the PGA Tour for appearing in a LIV-backed YouTube event. Bryan defended his professionalism, while Phil Mickelson called it a threat to entrepreneurial freedom. Ironically, the PGA had invited Grant Horvat, whose channel hosted the event. Another chapter in the ongoing PGA vs. LIV saga.
Sophia Popov faced heartbreak after the LPGA Tour mistakenly allowed her to play three events. Later, they revoked her points and prize money, citing an administrative error—derailing her fight for a 2026 tour card.
Equipment Failures, Slow Play and Viral Moments
Rory McIlroy was at the center of a tech controversy when his driver failed a USGA test. Though meant to be confidential, the leak sparked rumors about his Masters win. The PGA of America clarified, but questions lingered