From ball kicks to rule mistakes and slow-play warnings – we look back at the quirkiest and most memorable moments of the year.
Not only in amateur golf do mishaps and rule breaches occur, but professional golf also often sees exciting rule-related events. As the year ends, we look back at the biggest blunders and most interesting rule violations in pro golf during 2025. Several remarkable scenarios arose where players faced new and sometimes surprising consequences enforced by officials.
Bud Cauley’s Accidental Ball Kick at Players Championship
During the final day of the 2025 Players Championship, amid a long weather delay, a bizarre moment occurred: Bud Cauley accidentally stepped on fellow competitor Lucas Glover’s ball. Golf rule 9.6 clarified the situation immediately—since the ball was moved by an outside influence, no penalty was applied, and Glover was allowed to return the ball to its original spot. This incident highlights differing rules: balls moved by natural forces generally must be played from the new position, whereas balls already placed on the green are always replaced to their initial position regardless of what caused the movement.
Shane Lowry’s Rule Mistake at US Open
In round two at the 2025 US Open at Oakmont Country Club, Shane Lowry made a rare rule error by lifting his ball on the 14th green without marking its position first, violating rule 14.1 and incurring a one-stroke penalty that turned the hole into a double bogey. Despite being well over par and missing the cut, Lowry took the mishap humorously, calling it one of the dumbest things he’d done. Fellow player Rory McIlroy also reacted with laughter. Lowry then marked correctly and continued fighting every shot.
Hannah Gregg’s Self-Disqualification at Amundi German Masters
US pro Hannah Gregg self-disqualified at the Amundi German Masters 2025 after signing an incorrect scorecard. She had mistakenly recorded a 3 instead of the actual 4 on the 14th hole. According to rule 3.3b(3), signing for a lower score leads to automatic disqualification once confirmed. Gregg discovered the error on her way home and promptly reported it to the tour. She expressed disappointment but received significant praise for her honesty on social media.
Slow Play Warnings at British Open 2025
In the first round of the 2025 British Open, slow play became a major discussion point. Players like Marc Leishman complained about extremely slow paces—three hours for eight holes—while Rory McIlroy’s group completed only eleven holes in four hours. Challenging links course setups and weather changes contributed. US Open winner J.J. Spaun, playing alongside Jon Rahm and Xander Schauffele, came under scrutiny for excessive distance behind the preceding group. Spaun received an official warning on the 17th hole for taking more than the allowed 50 seconds on his second shot. A second warning would have brought a penalty stroke and increased pressure in the cut fight. Reports say even Rahm’s caddie intervened to defend Spaun with officials.