From ball kicks to rule mistakes and slow-play warnings, we look back at the quirkiest and most memorable golf moments of the year.Not only in private games but also in professional golf, rule mishaps and infractions keep the sport exciting. As the year ends, we reflect on the biggest blunders and most intriguing rule violations in pro golf during 2025. Several remarkable scenarios emerged this year, with some players facing new situations that led to varying consequences from officials.
Bud Cauley Steps on Ball but No Penalty Thanks to Rule 9.6
During the final Sunday of the Players Championship 2025, alongside a lengthy weather delay, a bizarre moment occurred when Bud Cauley accidentally stepped on fellow player Lucas Glover’s ball. According to golf rule 9.6, the ball’s movement due to an outside influence is without penalty, allowing Glover to replace his ball to its original spot. This incident highlights different regulations: balls moved by natural forces must be played from their new positions, while balls already placed on the green are always replaced to their initial places regardless of cause.
Shane Lowry Commits Rare Rule Error at US Open, Takes Double Bogey with Humor
In the second round of the 2025 US Open at Oakmont Country Club, Shane Lowry made an uncommon mistake by lifting his ball on the 14th green without marking it first, violating rule 14.1 and incurring a penalty stroke that turned the hole into a double bogey. Although Lowry was already far over par and later missed the cut, he took the error lightly, calling it one of the dumbest things he’s done. Fellow competitor Rory McIlroy responded with laughter. Lowry then properly marked his ball, continued playing, and stressed his determination despite the mishap.
Self-Disqualification and Slow Play Warnings Mark 2025’s Rule Highlights
At the Amundi German Masters 2025, US pro golfer Hannah Gregg self-disqualified after signing an incorrect scorecard showing a lower score on the 14th hole, as per rule 3.3b(3). She found the error after leaving the course and immediately reported it, earning praise for her honesty across social media. Meanwhile, slow play was spotlighted early in the 2025 British Open, with players like Marc Leishman complaining about excessively slow rounds. US Open winner J.J. Spaun, alongside Jon Rahm and Xander Schauffele, came under scrutiny for lagging too far behind the group ahead, resulting in an official warning that added pressure in their fight to make the cut. On the DP World Tour, Marcel Siem faced disqualification after playing a provisional ball improperly at the 18th hole and submitting an incorrect scorecard, emphasizing the strict enforcement of rules at the highest levels of golf.