From fan scandals to rule chaos and viral moments — 2025 was anything but boring in the world of golf.
The 2025 golf season delivered not only sporting excellence but also a series of controversies, debates, and unforgettable moments. From Ryder Cup drama to LIV-PGA tensions and unexpected viral incidents, here’s a look back at the year’s most talked-about events.
Ryder Cup Chaos: Booing Fans, Rule Changes, and a Captain’s Dilemma
The 2025 Ryder Cup was full of surprises, none bigger than Keegan Bradley, who found himself ranked ninth in the Ryder Cup standings—while also serving as Team USA’s captain. A rule tweak reignited the debate over whether a captain should play, but Bradley chose to stay on the sidelines. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy faced relentless booing from American fans, and Shane Lowry had to personally escort a disruptive spectator to security. The controversy didn’t stop there: for the first time, only Team USA received official prize money, prompting McIlroy to quip he’d pay to play on Sunday. Viktor Hovland’s injury triggered an obscure rule granting his opponent half a point without a single shot played. And in a quieter scandal, a Ryder Cup shop shirt featuring a swing eerily similar to McIlroy’s mysteriously vanished from shelves.
PGA vs. LIV, Equipment Failures, and Administrative Blunders
Wesley Bryan was suspended by the PGA Tour after playing in a LIV-supported YouTube event, sparking fresh debate about player freedom. Phil Mickelson criticized the decision, while the PGA Tour’s own invitation to the event’s host, Grant Horvat, added irony. On the LPGA side, Sophia Popov was told she could play, competed in three events, and then was retroactively disqualified due to an administrative error—losing both points and prize money. Equipment drama also made headlines when Rory McIlroy’s driver failed a USGA test, raising questions about his Masters win. Scottie Scheffler’s driver reportedly failed too, but his name remained anonymous, leaving McIlroy frustrated by the selective leak.
Slow Play, Shot Clocks, and a Viral Creek Moment
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, in one of the year’s most bizarre moments, Spanish amateur Jose Luis Ballester relieved himself in Rae’s Creek during the Masters due to a lack of nearby restrooms. The moment went viral, proving once again that golf can be as unpredictable as it is traditional.