From McIlroy’s phone snatch to Siem’s drunken course records — a look back at golf’s quirkiest moments of 2025.
Golf is often seen as a serious sport defined by etiquette and calm. But even in this refined world, bizarre moments are never far away. From forgotten ball markers to £10,000 bets to quit smoking and record-setting rounds under the influence, 2025 delivered its fair share of oddities. Here are some of the most curious golf moments of the year.
Rory McIlroy snatches a fan’s phone
Rory McIlroy is no stranger to hecklers, but during a practice round at the Players Championship, he had enough. When a fan interrupted his swing, McIlroy demanded the fan’s phone and walked off with it across the fairway. The phone was eventually returned, but the fan was escorted out of the tournament. Read more.
Marcel Siem sets course record while drunk
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 during the third round of the 2015 Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Despite two vomiting breaks, he played one of the best rounds of his life. Read more.
Shane Lowry forgets to mark his ball
At the 2025 U.S. Open, Shane Lowry made a mistake more common among amateurs: he picked up his ball on the 14th hole without marking it first. The error cost him a penalty stroke. Already 14-over-par and well outside the cut line, Lowry laughed off the blunder after his round. Read more.
McIlroy hits two balls at once
During the 2025 British Open, McIlroy pulled off a bizarre shot from the rough — and two balls flew out. The likely explanation? A lost ball from earlier in the tournament was buried in the grass and came out with his swing. Read more.
Charley Hull’s £10,000 no-smoking bet
Quitting smoking is tough — even for elite athletes. Charley Hull made it interesting by betting fellow pro Ryan Evans £10,000 that she wouldn’t smoke until mid-May. She won the bet and said