From McIlroy’s phone snatch to Siem’s drunken course record — a look back at golf’s quirkiest moments of 2025.
Golf is traditionally a sport of etiquette and quiet concentration, but even in this refined world, strange and amusing moments happen. From forgotten ball markers to a £10,000 bet to quit smoking, 2025 brought its fair share of bizarre stories. Here are some of the quirkiest golf moments of the year.
Rory McIlroy confiscates a fan’s phone
During a practice round ahead of the Players Championship, Rory McIlroy was interrupted by a fan shouting during his swing. In response, McIlroy demanded the fan’s phone and walked off with it across the fairway. While the fan eventually got the phone back, he was also escorted out of the tournament. Read more.
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 during the third round of the 2015 Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Despite taking two breaks to vomit, he played one of the best rounds of his life. Read more.
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 on the 14th hole without marking it first. The error cost him a penalty stroke. Already 14 over par and out of contention, Lowry was able to laugh at himself after the round. Read more.
McIlroy hits two balls with one swing
During the 2025 British Open, Rory McIlroy pulled off a bizarre feat: hitting two balls with one swing. While playing from the rough, a second ball unexpectedly flew out with his shot. It’s believed the second ball had been lost there earlier and was dislodged by McIlroy’s strike. Read more.
Charley Hull’s £10,000 no-smoking bet
Charley Hull made a bold move to quit smoking by betting fellow pro Ryan Evans £10,000 that she wouldn’t touch a cigarette until mid-May. She won the bet and said it was surprisingly easy to stay smoke