From McIlroy’s phone incident to Siem’s tipsy record round – here are the quirkiest golf moments of 2025.
Golf is often seen as a serious sport, defined by etiquette and quiet concentration. But even in this refined world, bizarre and hilarious moments are bound to happen. From a forgotten ball marker to a £10,000 bet to quit smoking, 2025 delivered its fair share of oddities. 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 fan interruptions, but during a practice round ahead of the Players Championship, he had enough. After a fan shouted during his swing, McIlroy demanded the spectator’s phone, walked off with it across the fairway, and only returned it after the fan was ejected from the event.
Marcel Siem’s drunken course record
Playing golf under the influence is usually a recipe for disaster – 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 while heavily intoxicated. Despite stopping twice to vomit, he delivered 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 mistake for a pro: he picked up his ball on the 14th hole without marking it, earning a penalty stroke. Already 14 over par and out of contention, Lowry laughed off the blunder after the round.
McIlroy hits two balls at once
During the 2025 British Open, McIlroy pulled off a bizarre shot. While hitting from the rough on the 11th hole, two balls flew out – one presumably lost in the grass before the tournament. Even McIlroy was baffled by the magical moment.
Charley Hull’s £10,000 no-smoking bet
Quitting smoking is tough, even for elite athletes. In March, Charley Hull made a bold move: