From McIlroy’s phone snatch to Siem’s drunken course records — we recap the quirkiest golf moments of 2025.
Golf is typically a sport of etiquette and calm, but even in this refined world, odd moments are bound to happen. From forgotten ball markers and bizarre bets to double ball shots and unexpected penalties, 2025 delivered plenty of strange stories. Here are some of the most unusual golf moments of the year.
Rory McIlroy confiscates a fan’s phone
During a practice round ahead of the Players Championship, Rory McIlroy reacted to a heckling fan by demanding their phone and walking off with it across the fairway. The fan eventually got the phone back, but was removed from the tournament grounds. A rare moment of player-fan confrontation that made headlines.
Marcel Siem sets course record while drunk
German pro Marcel Siem revealed on a podcast that he once set a course record while intoxicated. During the 2015 Pebble Beach Pro-Am, he played one of his best rounds ever — despite taking two breaks to vomit. Siem claims he has three such records under his belt, all achieved under the influence.
Shane Lowry forgets to mark his ball at the US Open
At the 2025 US Open, Shane Lowry made a rare professional blunder: he picked up his ball without marking it on the 14th hole, incurring a penalty stroke. Already well over par and out of contention, Lowry was able to laugh off the mistake afterward.
McIlroy hits two balls with one swing
During the 2025 British Open, Rory McIlroy experienced a bizarre moment when he struck a ball from the rough and a second ball unexpectedly flew out with it. The likely explanation? A previously lost ball was buried in the grass and dislodged by his swing — though some joked McIlroy had learned to conjure golf balls.
Charley Hull’s £10,000 no-smoking bet
To quit smoking, Charley Hull made a bold wager: she promised fellow golfer Ryan Evans £10,