The 2025 golf season was anything but dull—packed with drama, rule debates, fan incidents, and unexpected twists.
From Ryder Cup controversies to equipment scandals and viral moments, 2025 delivered a rollercoaster of headlines far beyond the leaderboard. Here’s a look back at the stories that defined the year in golf.
Ryder Cup Drama: Booing, Rule Changes and a Captain’s Dilemma
The 2025 Ryder Cup was defined by unexpected narratives. Team USA captain Keegan Bradley found himself ranked ninth in the Ryder Cup standings after winning the Travelers Championship—raising the age-old question: Can a captain also play? A rule tweak reignited the debate, but Bradley ultimately stayed on the sidelines, opting for strategy over spectacle.
Meanwhile, fans took center stage. Rory McIlroy endured boos and distractions from American crowds, while Shane Lowry escorted a particularly rowdy fan to security. Prize money added fuel to the fire: 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 a rarely used rule, awarding his opponent half a point without a single shot. The match was halved, but opinions were not. And in a quieter subplot, a Ryder Cup merchandise shirt featuring a swing eerily similar to McIlroy’s mysteriously vanished from shelves.
PGA vs. LIV, Popov’s Paperwork and Driver Drama
The PGA-LIV saga continued with Wesley Bryan’s suspension after appearing in a LIV-backed YouTube event. While Bryan defended his professionalism, Phil Mickelson called it an infringement on entrepreneurial freedom. Ironically, the host of the event, Grant Horvat, had been invited by the PGA Tour itself.
LPGA pro Sophia Popov faced heartbreak after being told she could play—only to later learn she couldn’t. Despite competing in three events, her points and earnings were revoked due to an “administrative error,” crushing her hopes of regaining a Tour card.
Rory McIlroy’s driver failed a USGA test at the PGA Championship, sparking speculation about his Masters win. Although the issue was meant to remain confidential, it leaked. McIlroy expressed frustration, especially since Scottie Scheffler’s failed test remained anonymous.
Slow Play, Shot Clocks and a Viral Creek Moment
Pace of play remained a hot topic. Tom Kim welcomed the TGL’s shot clock as a personal remedy, 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, in a moment that went viral, Spanish amateur Jose Luis Ballester relieved himself in Rae’s Creek during the Masters—because no restroom was nearby. In a club where even sitting on the grass is frowned upon, Ballester made his mark in the most unexpected way.