The 2025 golf season was anything but dull – from fan drama and rule chaos to viral moments and heated debates.
From Ryder Cup controversies to equipment scandals and viral moments, 2025 delivered a rollercoaster of emotions and headlines in the golf world. Here’s a look back at the most talked-about stories of the year.
Ryder Cup Drama: Booing, Rule Changes and a Captain’s Dilemma
The 2025 Ryder Cup was full of unexpected twists. Team USA captain Keegan Bradley found himself ranked ninth in the Ryder Cup standings after winning the Travelers Championship, sparking debate over whether a captain should also play. Ultimately, Bradley chose to stay on the sidelines, a wise move competitively, but a letdown for drama lovers.
Meanwhile, fans made their presence known—especially Rory McIlroy, who faced loud booing and distractions. Shane Lowry even escorted a disruptive fan to security. Adding to the controversy, only Team USA received official prize money in 2025, while Team Europe played for free. McIlroy quipped he’d pay to play on Sunday, while Scottie Scheffler pledged to donate his earnings.
Viktor Hovland’s neck injury triggered a rarely used rule, awarding his opponent half a point without a single shot played. Opinions were split on the fairness of the outcome. And then there was the merchandise mishap: a Ryder Cup shirt featuring a swing silhouette suspiciously resembling McIlroy quietly disappeared from the shop.
PGA vs. LIV, Equipment Failures and Administrative Blunders
The PGA Tour’s ongoing battle with LIV Golf continued when Wesley Bryan was suspended indefinitely for appearing in a LIV-backed YouTube event. Ironically, the host, Grant Horvat, had been invited to PGA events. Phil Mickelson criticized the suspension as a threat to entrepreneurial freedom.
LPGA pro Sophia Popov faced heartbreak after being told she could play, only to later learn she wasn’t eligible. Her points and prize money were revoked due to an “administrative error,” costing her a chance at a 2026 tour card.
Rory McIlroy’s driver failed a USGA test during the PGA Championship, sparking speculation about his Masters win. The leak of the failed test raised eyebrows, especially since Scottie Scheffler’s failed test remained anonymous. McIlroy expressed frustration over the selective disclosure.
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 to disrupt opponents. At The Open Championship, rounds stretched to six hours, and J.J. Spaun received a warning for exceeding the 50-second routine limit.
Finally, Spanish amateur Jose Luis Ballester made headlines at the Masters—not for his play, but for relieving himself in Rae’s Creek due to a lack of nearby restrooms. In a club where sitting on the grass is frowned upon, Ballester’s moment went viral, cementing his place in the 2025 golf yearbook.