From ball kicks to rule breaches and slow-play warnings, we look back at the quirkiest and most memorable moments of 2025.
Not only in amateur golf do mishaps and rules violations happen frequently, but professional golf too often features dramatic rule-related incidents. As 2025 comes to a close, we review some of the biggest blunders and most interesting breaches of the rules in professional golf. Several notable scenarios unfolded this year, with players sometimes facing novel situations that occasionally led to consequences from officials.
Bud Cauley’s Accidental Ball Kick at the Players Championship 2025
On the final Sunday of the 2025 Players Championship, amid a lengthy weather delay, Bud Cauley accidentally stepped on fellow competitor Lucas Glover’s ball. According to Rule 9.6, this accidental movement of a ball caused by an external influence is penalty-free; Glover was allowed to replace his ball to its original spot. This event highlights the different rules regarding ball movement: balls moved by natural forces must generally be played from their new location, but a ball already marked and replaced on the green must be returned to its spot regardless of the cause.
Shane Lowry’s Rules Mistake at the 2025 US Open
During the second round at Oakmont Country Club, Shane Lowry committed a rare rules infraction by lifting his ball on the 14th green without marking it first, a breach of Rule 14.1 resulting in a penalty stroke and turning the hole into a double bogey. Despite missing the cut and being well over par, Lowry took the error with humor, calling it one of the ‘dumbest things’ he’d done. Fellow player Rory McIlroy also laughed it off. Lowry marked the ball properly afterwards and continued to play competitively.
Other Notable 2025 Golf Rules Incidents
At the Amundi German Masters, US pro Hannah Gregg disqualified herself after signing a scorecard with an incorrect lower score, triggering automatic disqualification under Rule 3.3b(3). Her honesty garnered widespread praise on social media. Slow play also drew attention at the British Open, with J.J. Spaun receiving a warning for exceeding allowed shot time, amidst complaints about the tournament’s pace. Finally, Marcel Siem faced disqualification on the DP World Tour for playing a provisional ball when his original ball was found in a penalty area, violating Rule 18.3c(3), illustrating how strict adherence to rules is crucial in professional golf.