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 quiet concentration. But even in this refined world, bizarre and unexpected moments can occur. From forgotten ball markers to a £10,000 bet to quit smoking, 2025 delivered some truly strange stories. Here are the quirkiest golf moments of the year.
Rory McIlroy confiscates a fan’s phone
Rory McIlroy is no stranger to fan interruptions, but during a practice round ahead of the Players Championship, he had enough. After a fan shouted during his swing, McIlroy walked over, took the fan’s phone, and strolled off down the fairway. The phone was eventually returned, but the fan was escorted out of the event.
Marcel Siem sets course record while drunk
Playing golf while 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 taking two breaks to vomit, 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 rare mistake for a pro: he picked up his ball on the 14th green without marking it. The error cost him a penalty stroke. Already 14-over-par and out of contention, Lowry laughed it off after the round.
McIlroy hits two balls with one swing
During the 2025 British Open, McIlroy pulled off a bizarre feat. While hitting from the rough on the 11th hole, a second ball unexpectedly flew out alongside his own. The likely explanation? A lost ball from earlier in the tournament was dislodged by his swing.
Charley Hull’s £10,000 no-smoking bet
Quitting smoking is tough, even for elite athletes. In March, Charley Hull made a bold move: