The 2025 golf season was anything but dull – from fan drama to rule chaos, here are the year’s most talked-about moments.
From heated debates to bizarre incidents, 2025 delivered a rollercoaster of headlines in the golf world. While athletic performances were strong, it was often the off-course drama that stole the spotlight. Here’s a look back at the most memorable controversies and curiosities of the year.
Ryder Cup Drama: Booing Fans and Rule Reboots
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—raising the question of whether a captain could also play. A rule change reopened the debate, but Bradley ultimately stayed on the sidelines. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy faced loud booing from American fans, and Shane Lowry escorted a disruptive spectator to security. In a controversial move, only Team USA received official prize money, prompting McIlroy to quip he’d pay to play on Sunday. Viktor Hovland’s injury triggered an old rule that awarded his opponent half a point without a single shot played. And a shirt featuring a suspiciously McIlroy-like silhouette quietly vanished from the Ryder Cup shop.
PGA vs. LIV, Equipment Failures and Administrative Blunders
The PGA-LIV saga continued as Wesley Bryan was suspended by the PGA Tour for appearing in a LIV-supported YouTube event. Phil Mickelson called it a blow to entrepreneurial freedom, especially since the host, Grant Horvat, had been invited by the PGA Tour itself. Meanwhile, Sophia Popov was told she could play on the LPGA Tour—only to be informed later that she wasn’t eligible. Her points and earnings were revoked, ending her bid for a 2026 tour card. Rory McIlroy’s driver failed a USGA test, sparking speculation about his Masters win. The leak of his name, while Scottie Scheffler’s similar issue remained anonymous, left McIlroy frustrated.
Slow Play, Shot Clocks and a Viral Creek Moment
Slow play remained a hot topic. Tom Kim admitted the TGL’s shot clock helped him speed up, 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 shot routine. Finally, Spanish amateur Jose Luis Ballester made headlines at the Masters—not for his play, but for relieving himself in Rae’s Creek when no restroom was nearby. In a club where even sitting on the grass is frowned upon, the moment went viral and earned its place in golf’s most bizarre highlights of 2025.