From McIlroy’s phone incident to Siem’s drunken course record — a look back at golf’s quirkiest moments of 2025.
Golf is often seen as a serious sport, steeped in etiquette and calm. But even in this refined world, bizarre and humorous moments are never far away. From forgotten ball markers to £10,000 bets to quit smoking, 2025 delivered its fair share of oddities. Here are some of the strangest golf moments of the year.
Rory McIlroy confiscates a fan’s phone
Rory McIlroy is no stranger to fan interruptions. During a practice round ahead of the Players Championship, a fan shouted during his swing. McIlroy reacted by demanding the fan’s phone and walking off with it across the fairway. The fan eventually got the phone back but was ejected from the tournament grounds. Read more here.
Marcel Siem sets course record — while drunk
Playing golf under the influence is generally frowned upon, but Marcel Siem turned it into a record-breaking performance. In a podcast, the German pro revealed he once set three course records while drunk — 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 here.
Shane Lowry forgets to mark his ball at the US Open
At the 2025 US Open, Shane Lowry made a rare mistake more common among amateurs — he picked up his ball on the 14th green without marking it first. The error cost him a penalty stroke. Already 14 over par and out of contention, Lowry laughed it off after the round. Read more here.
McIlroy hits two balls with one swing
During the 2025 British Open, McIlroy pulled off an unintentional magic trick. While hitting from the rough on the 11th hole, two balls flew out — his own and a previously lost ball unearthed by his swing. Read more here.
Charley Hull bets £10,000 to quit smoking
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 succeeded — and said it was surprisingly easy