From McIlroy’s phone snatch to Siem’s drunken course records — a look back at golf’s quirkiest moments of 2025.
Golf is often seen as a serious sport, steeped in tradition and etiquette. But even in this composed world, bizarre and humorous incidents happen. From forgotten ball markers to a £10,000 bet to quit smoking, 2025 delivered its fair share of oddities. Here are some of 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, he had enough. After a fan interrupted his swing, McIlroy demanded the man’s phone and walked off with it down the fairway. The fan eventually got his phone back — but was escorted out of the tournament.
Marcel Siem sets course record while drunk
Playing drunk is typically a recipe for disaster — unless you’re Marcel Siem. The German pro revealed on a podcast that he once shot a course record at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am in 2015 while heavily intoxicated. Despite stopping twice to vomit, he played 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 golfer. He picked up his ball on the 14th green without marking it, resulting in a penalty stroke. Already 14-over-par and out of contention, Lowry laughed off the blunder post-round.
McIlroy hits two balls with one swing
During the 2025 British Open, McIlroy pulled off an unintentional magic trick. While hitting from the rough on the 11th hole, two balls flew out — one being a lost ball from earlier in the tournament. Even McIlroy was baffled by the bizarre moment.
Charley Hull’s £10,000 no-smoking bet
Quitting smoking is tough, even for elite athletes. To motivate herself, Charley Hull made a bold wager.