From McIlroy’s phone incident to Siem’s drunken course record — a look back at golf’s quirkiest moments of 2025.
Golf is typically known for its etiquette and quiet demeanor, but even this refined sport has its share of bizarre moments. From forgotten ball markers to a £10,000 bet to quit smoking and inebriated course records, 2025 delivered a variety of strange and entertaining stories. Here’s our roundup of the quirkiest golf moments of the year.
Rory McIlroy snatches a fan’s phone
Rory McIlroy is no stranger to vocal fans, but during a practice round ahead of the Players Championship, he had enough. After a fan shouted during his swing, McIlroy demanded the man’s phone and walked off with it across the fairway. While the phone was eventually returned, the fan was escorted out of the tournament.
Marcel Siem’s drunken course record
Playing golf drunk is usually a recipe for disaster — unless you’re Marcel Siem. The German pro revealed on a podcast that he once set three course records while intoxicated, including one during the third round of the 2015 Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Despite two mid-round vomiting breaks, he played one of the best rounds of his life.
Shane Lowry forgets to mark his ball
At the 2025 U.S. Open, Shane Lowry made a mistake more common among amateurs than pros. On the 14th hole, he picked up his ball without marking it, resulting in a penalty stroke. Already 14-over-par and out of contention, Lowry laughed it off after the round.
McIlroy hits two balls at once
During the 2025 British Open, McIlroy pulled off a bizarre feat. While hitting from the rough on the 11th hole, two balls flew out — one his, the other likely a lost ball from earlier in the tournament. A magic trick? Not quite, but certainly a rare sight.
Charley Hull’s £10,000 no-smoking bet
Quitting smoking is tough, even for elite athletes. Charley Hull found motivation by making a bold wager.