From McIlroy’s phone incident to Siem’s drunken course record — a look back at golf’s quirkiest moments of 2025.
Golf is traditionally a sport of etiquette and composure, but even in this refined world, bizarre and humorous moments are bound to happen. From forgotten ball markers to a £10,000 bet to quit smoking, 2025 delivered some truly entertaining stories. Here are the strangest golf moments of the year.
Rory McIlroy confiscates a fan’s phone
Rory McIlroy is no stranger to hecklers, but during a practice round ahead of the Players Championship, one fan crossed the line. McIlroy took matters into his own hands by demanding the fan’s phone and walking off with it down the fairway. Although the phone was eventually returned, the fan was ejected from the tournament.
Marcel Siem sets course record — while drunk
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 set three course records while drunk, including one during the third round of the 2015 Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Despite two vomiting breaks, he called it one of the best rounds of his life.
Shane Lowry forgets to mark his ball at the US Open
At the 2025 US Open, Shane Lowry made a rare mistake for a pro — he picked up his ball without marking it on the 14th hole. The error cost him a penalty stroke, but with a score already 14-over-par and missing the cut, Lowry was able to laugh it off afterward.
McIlroy hits two balls with one swing
During the 2025 British Open, Rory McIlroy pulled off a bizarre feat. While hitting from the rough on the 11th hole, a second ball unexpectedly flew out alongside his own. Most likely, the second ball had been lost in the rough and was dislodged by McIlroy’s shot — not magic, but still a rare sight.
Charley Hull’s £10,000 bet to quit smoking
Quitting smoking isn’t easy, even for elite athletes. In March, Charley Hull made a bold move to help herself quit —