From McIlroy’s phone incident to Siem’s drunken record round—2025 delivered some truly bizarre golf moments.
Golf is often seen as a sport of etiquette and composure, but even the most refined game has its odd moments. From forgotten ball markers to high-stakes bets and unexpected course records, 2025 brought its share of surprises. Here’s a look back at the quirkiest 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 had enough. When a fan interrupted his routine, McIlroy demanded the spectator’s phone and walked off with it across the fairway. While the phone was eventually returned, the fan was escorted out of the tournament.
Marcel Siem sets course record—while drunk
Playing golf under the influence is usually a recipe for disaster, but not for Marcel Siem. 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.
Shane Lowry forgets to mark his ball at the US Open
In a moment every amateur can relate to, Shane Lowry made a rare pro blunder at the 2025 US Open. He picked up his ball on the 14th hole without marking it, resulting in 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
At the British Open, McIlroy pulled off a bizarre trick shot—unintentionally. While hitting from the rough on hole 11, a second ball unexpectedly flew out with his shot. The likely explanation? A lost ball from earlier in the tournament was dislodged by his swing.
Charley Hull bets £10,000 to quit smoking
Quitting smoking is tough—even for elite athletes. Charley Hull decided to up the stakes by