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 composure, but even in this refined world, bizarre and humorous moments find their way onto the course. In 2025, fans witnessed everything from forgotten ball markers to high-stakes bets and unexpected trick shots. Here’s our roundup of the most unusual golf moments of the year.
Rory McIlroy confiscates a fan’s phone
During a practice round ahead of the Players Championship, Rory McIlroy had enough of fan interruptions. When one fan shouted during his swing, McIlroy walked over, demanded the fan’s phone, and calmly walked off with it across the fairway. The fan got the phone back—but not before being escorted out of the tournament.
Marcel Siem sets course record… drunk
Playing golf while intoxicated is generally frowned upon—unless you’re Marcel Siem. The German pro revealed on a podcast that he once shot a course record during the third round of the 2015 Pebble Beach Pro-Am after a night of heavy drinking. Despite two mid-round vomiting breaks, 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 rare amateur mistake. 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 was able to laugh off the blunder afterward.
McIlroy hits two balls with one swing
During the 2025 British Open, McIlroy pulled off a shot that even surprised him. While hitting from the rough on the 11th hole, a second ball unexpectedly flew out with his shot. The likely explanation? A lost ball from earlier in the week was dislodged by his swing.
Charley Hull bets £10,000 to quit smoking
Quitting smoking is tough—even for elite athletes. To motivate herself,