From McIlroy’s phone incident to Siem’s drunken record – the quirkiest golf moments of 2025 in our year-end review.
Golf is traditionally a sport of etiquette and quiet concentration, but even this refined game has its bizarre moments. From forgotten ball markers to a £10,000 bet to quit smoking, 2025 delivered plenty of oddities. Here are 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 at the Players Championship, one fan went too far. After an outburst from the gallery, McIlroy demanded the fan’s phone, walked off with it across the fairway, and handed it over to officials. The fan got the phone back but was ejected from the event.
Marcel Siem’s drunken course record
Playing drunk is usually a recipe for disaster, but not for Marcel Siem. In a podcast, the German pro revealed he once set a course record at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am in 2015 while heavily intoxicated. Despite two vomiting breaks, he played one of the best rounds of his life.
Shane Lowry’s amateur mistake at the US Open
Even pros make rookie mistakes. At the 2025 US Open, Shane Lowry picked up his ball without marking it on the 14th hole, earning a penalty stroke. Already 14 over par and out of contention, the Irishman laughed it off after the round.
McIlroy hits two balls with one swing
During the 2025 British Open, Rory McIlroy pulled off an unintentional magic trick. While hitting from the rough on the 11th hole, a second ball unexpectedly flew out with his shot. Likely a lost ball from earlier, it added a surreal twist to his round.
Charley Hull’s £10,000 no-smoking bet
Quitting smoking is tough—even for elite athletes. In March, Charley Hull challenged herself