The 2025 golf season was anything but dull – from fan drama to rule chaos and unexpected twists, here’s what made headlines.
From heated debates to bizarre incidents, the 2025 golf season delivered more than just great athletic performances. It was a year of controversies, rule changes, and viral moments that kept fans and players on edge. Here’s our year in review.
Ryder Cup Drama: Booing Fans and Rule Reboots
The Ryder Cup 2025 was full of surprises, none more so than Keegan Bradley’s dual role. After winning the Travelers Championship, he climbed to ninth in the Ryder Cup rankings – as team captain. The age-old question of whether a captain can also play was reignited, but Bradley opted to stay on the sidelines. Meanwhile, fans took center stage with loud boos directed at Rory McIlroy, and Shane Lowry even escorted a fan to security. Prize money became a hot topic too – for the first time, only Team USA received official compensation, prompting McIlroy to quip he’d pay to play on Sunday.
Viktor Hovland’s neck injury activated an obscure rule, granting his opponent half a point without a single shot played. The decision split opinions. And then there was the merchandise mishap – a shirt featuring a swing resembling McIlroy’s appeared in the Ryder Cup shop, only to vanish quietly.
PGA vs. LIV, Popov’s LPGA Nightmare, and Leaky Driver Tests
The ongoing PGA vs. LIV saga added another chapter when Wesley Bryan was suspended for playing in a LIV-backed YouTube event. Ironically, the PGA Tour had invited the host, Grant Horvat, to a separate event. Meanwhile, Sophia Popov faced heartbreak after being told she could play on the LPGA Tour – only to have her starts and earnings revoked due to an administrative error.
Technical drama also struck when McIlroy’s driver failed a USGA test. Though meant to remain confidential, the news leaked, sparking speculation about his Masters win. While Scottie Scheffler’s driver also failed, his name remained anonymous, leaving McIlroy frustrated by the selective leaks.
Slow Play, Shot Clocks, and a Viral Creek Incident
Slow play remained a sore point. Tom Kim admitted the TGL’s shot clock helped his pace, while Alejandro Tosti was accused of using slow play as a tactic. At the Open Championship, rounds stretched to