The 2025 golf season was anything but dull: fan drama, rule debates, and unexpected twists dominated the headlines.
From Ryder Cup controversies to equipment scandals and viral moments, 2025 delivered a rollercoaster of emotions and headlines. While players showcased top-level performances, it was often the off-course drama that stole the spotlight. Here’s our golf year in review.
Ryder Cup Drama: Booing, Rules, and a Captain’s Dilemma
The 2025 Ryder Cup was marked by unexpected narratives. Keegan Bradley, named captain, won the Travelers Championship and climbed to ninth in the Ryder Cup rankings—raising the old question: should a captain play? A rule tweak allowed it, but Bradley chose to stay on the sidelines. Meanwhile, fans made their presence known, especially targeting Rory McIlroy with boos and heckling. Shane Lowry even escorted a fan to security. Prize money added fuel to the fire: for the first time, only Team USA received official compensation. McIlroy quipped he’d pay to play on Sunday. Viktor Hovland’s neck injury triggered a rarely-used rule, awarding his opponent half a point without a shot. And then there was the merchandise scandal—a shirt resembling McIlroy’s swing quietly disappeared from the Ryder Cup shop.
LIV vs. PGA, Equipment Failures, and Bureaucratic Blunders
The PGA vs. LIV saga continued as Wesley Bryan was suspended for playing in a LIV-backed YouTube event. Ironically, the host, Grant Horvat, was invited to a PGA event. Sophia Popov faced heartbreak after being told she could play on the LPGA Tour—only to later learn she wasn’t eligible. Her points and earnings were revoked due to an “administrative error.” Equipment also made headlines: Rory McIlroy’s driver failed a USGA test, sparking rumors about his Masters win. The leak, meant to be confidential, left McIlroy frustrated—especially since Scottie Scheffler’s failed test remained anonymous.
Slow Play, Viral Moments, and the Lighter Side of Golf
Slow play remained a hot topic. Tom Kim praised the TGL’s shot clock for helping his pace, while Alejandro Tosti was accused of using slow play strategically. At the Open Championship, rounds stretched to six hours, and