From McIlroy’s phone incident to Siem’s boozy course record—2025 delivered some truly bizarre golf moments.
Golf is often seen as a serious sport, steeped in etiquette and calm. But even in this refined world, strange and hilarious moments can unfold. From forgotten ball markings to a £10,000 bet to quit smoking, the past year brought a fair share of oddities. Here’s our roundup of the most curious golf moments of 2025.
Rory McIlroy confiscates a fan’s phone
Rory McIlroy is no stranger to heckling fans, but during a practice round at the Players Championship, he had enough. After a fan interrupted his routine, McIlroy demanded the man’s phone and walked off with it across the fairway. The fan eventually got his phone back—but not before being escorted out of the tournament.
Marcel Siem sets course record while drunk
Playing golf drunk 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 intoxicated, including one during the third round of the 2015 Pebble Beach Pro-Am. 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 blunder more common among amateurs. On the 14th hole, he lifted his ball without marking it, earning a penalty stroke. Already 14-over par and far from the cut line, Lowry laughed off the mistake after the round.
McIlroy hits two balls with one swing
During the British Open, McIlroy pulled off a bizarre feat even he hadn’t seen before. While hitting from the rough on the 11th hole, two balls flew out. The likely explanation? A lost ball from earlier in the tournament was dislodged by his shot.
Charley Hull’s £10,000 no-smoking bet
Quitting smoking is tough—even for elite athletes. To stay motivated, Charley Hull