From McIlroy’s phone snatch to Siem’s drunken course records – here are the quirkiest golf moments of 2025.
Golf is often seen as a serious sport, known for its etiquette and calm demeanor. But even in this refined world, bizarre and humorous moments find their way onto the fairways. From forgotten ball markers to a £10,000 bet to quit smoking, 2025 delivered some truly odd highlights. Here’s our roundup of the most curious golf moments of the year.
Rory McIlroy confiscates a fan’s phone
Rory McIlroy is no stranger to hecklers, but during a practice round ahead of the Players Championship, he took matters into his own hands. After a fan interrupted his swing, McIlroy demanded the man’s phone and walked off with it across the fairway. The phone was eventually returned, but the fan was ejected from the tournament.
Marcel Siem sets course record… drunk
Playing golf while intoxicated is usually a recipe for disaster. But not for German pro Marcel Siem. In a podcast, Siem revealed he once set a course record during the third round of the 2015 Pebble Beach Pro-Am – despite being drunk and taking two breaks to vomit. He called it 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 off the blunder after the round.
McIlroy hits two balls with one swing
During the 2025 British Open, McIlroy pulled off a trick shot even he hadn’t seen before. While hitting from the rough on the 11th hole, two balls flew out – one being a lost ball from earlier in the tournament. Magic? Not quite, but certainly memorable.
Charley Hull bets £10,000 to quit smoking
Quitting smoking is tough, even for elite athletes. LPGA star Charley Hull made a bold move in March,