From McIlroy’s phone snatch to Siem’s drunken course records — a look back at golf’s quirkiest moments of 2025.
Golf is typically a sport of etiquette and calm, but 2025 brought its fair share of bizarre and entertaining moments. From unmarked balls to high-stakes bets and unexpected trick shots, here are some of the strangest highlights from the past golf season.
McIlroy takes a fan’s phone
Rory McIlroy is no stranger to hecklers, but one fan at the Players Championship pushed him too far. During a practice round, the fan shouted mid-swing, prompting McIlroy to demand the fan’s phone. He then walked off with it across the fairway. The phone was eventually returned, but the fan was ejected from the tournament. Read more.
Marcel Siem’s drunken course record
Playing drunk is usually a recipe for disaster, but not for Marcel Siem. On a podcast, the German golfer revealed he once set three course records while intoxicated — including one during the third round of the 2015 Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Despite two vomiting breaks, he called it 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 rare pro blunder: he picked up his ball on the 14th hole without marking it first, resulting in a penalty stroke. Already 14 over par and far from making the cut, Lowry laughed off the mistake after the round. Read more.
McIlroy hits two balls at once
During the 2025 British Open, McIlroy pulled off an unintentional magic trick. While hitting from the rough on the 11th hole, a second ball unexpectedly flew out with his own — likely a lost ball from a previous group. Read more.
Charley Hull’s £10,000 no-smoking bet
Quitting smoking isn’t easy — even for elite athletes. Charley Hull made a bold move in March, betting fellow pro Ryan Evans £10,000 that she wouldn’t smoke until mid-May. She won the bet and said it was surprisingly easy.