From ball kicks to rule blunders and slow-play warnings – we look back at the quirkiest and most memorable moments of the year.
Not only in amateur golf but also at the professional level, incidents and rule breaches on the golf course often create intense moments. As the year ends, we review the biggest blunders and most interesting rule violations in pro golf. 2025 saw several remarkable scenarios where players encountered novel situations, sometimes leading to varied consequences by rule officials.
Bud Cauley Kicks Ball Accidentally – No Penalty Thanks to Rule 9.6
On the final Sunday of the 2025 Players Championship, amidst a long weather delay, a bizarre scene unfolded: Bud Cauley accidentally stepped on the ball of his playing partner Lucas Glover. Golf rules quickly clarified the situation – under Rule 9.6, a ball moved by an external influence incurs no penalty, allowing Glover to replace his ball at its original spot. This incident highlights the distinct rules: balls moved by natural forces must usually be played from their new position, whereas a ball already placed on the green is always returned to its original spot regardless of the cause.
Shane Lowry’s Rule Mistake at US Open – Takes Double Bogey with Humor
During the second round at the 2025 US Open at Oakmont Country Club, Shane Lowry committed a rare rules error: on the 14th green, he lifted his ball without marking it first, violating Rule 14.1. This resulted in a penalty stroke turning the hole into a double bogey. Lowry, well over par and later missing the cut, took the mistake in stride, calling it “one of the dumbest things” he has done. Fellow competitor Rory McIlroy laughed it off. Lowry then marked his ball correctly and continued, emphasizing he fought for every stroke despite the mishap.
Notable 2025 Golf Rules Incidents: Self-Disqualification, Slow Play Warnings, and More
Other notable moments included US pro Hannah Gregg self-disqualifying at the Amundi German Masters after signing an incorrect scorecard – a breach of Rule 3.3b(3). Social media praised her honesty after she reported the error upon discovery. Slow play was spotlighted at the 2025 British Open where players like Marc Leishman expressed frustration over extremely slow rounds, resulting in US Open winner J.J. Spaun receiving an official warning for exceeding allowed time for a shot. Lastly, Marcel Siem was disqualified from the DP World Tour event after playing a provisional ball in violation of Rule 18.3c(3) and signing an incorrect scorecard. Siem described the mistake as unintentional and vowed to come back strong the following week.