The 2025 golf season was anything but boring – from fan drama to rule chaos, here’s a look back at the year’s biggest headlines.
From standout performances to off-course drama, 2025 delivered a rollercoaster of moments in the golf world. Controversies, fan incidents, rule debates, and bizarre stories made headlines as much as the sport itself. Here’s our year in review.
Ryder Cup Drama: Booing Fans, Rule Changes and a Silent Captain
The 2025 Ryder Cup was full of unexpected twists. Captain Keegan Bradley, who won the Travelers Championship, climbed to ninth in the Ryder Cup rankings—while already serving as team captain. The age-old question of whether a captain can also play was reignited, but Bradley ultimately stayed on the sidelines. Meanwhile, fans took center stage, especially targeting Rory McIlroy with boos and heckling. Shane Lowry even escorted a fan to security. The prize money debate also stirred controversy: 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 an obscure rule: his opponent was awarded half a point without a single shot. The match was halved, and so were the opinions. Meanwhile, a Ryder Cup merchandise scandal emerged when a shirt featuring a swing eerily similar to McIlroy’s quietly disappeared from the shop.
PGA vs. LIV, Equipment Failures and Administrative Blunders
The PGA-LIV saga continued with Wesley Bryan’s suspension after playing in a LIV-supported YouTube event called “The Duels.” Ironically, the PGA Tour had invited the channel’s host, Grant Horvat, to events. Phil Mickelson called the suspension an attack on entrepreneurial freedom.
Sophia Popov faced heartbreak after being told she could play on the LPGA Tour—only to later learn she couldn’t. Her points and earnings were revoked due to an “administrative error,” ending her bid for a 2026 tour card.
McIlroy also found himself in hot water when his driver failed a USGA test. Though the results were meant to be confidential, the leak sparked speculation about his Masters win. The PGA of America eventually cleared things up, but the selective leaking—especially since Scottie Scheffler’s driver also failed—left McIlroy frustrated.
Slow Play, Shot Clocks and a Viral Creek Moment
Slow play remained a hot topic. Tom Kim praised TGL’s shot clock for helping him speed up. Alejandro Tosti was accused of using slow play to