The 2025 golf season was anything but dull—controversies, fan drama, rule chaos and strange moments dominated the headlines.
From Ryder Cup drama to LIV-PGA tensions, 2025 delivered a rollercoaster of headlines that went far beyond birdies and bogeys. While athletic performances impressed, it was the off-course stories that often stole the spotlight. Here’s our year-end review of the most talked-about moments in golf.
Ryder Cup: Booing Fans, Rule Changes and a Captain’s Dilemma
The 2025 Ryder Cup was full of unexpected twists, none more so than Keegan Bradley’s dual role as captain and top-10 ranked player. His win at the Travelers Championship reignited the debate over playing captains, prompting a rule tweak. Ultimately, Bradley stayed on the sidelines, opting for strategy over spectacle.
Meanwhile, fans made their presence felt—especially Rory McIlroy, who faced jeers and noise during putts. Shane Lowry even escorted a fan to security. The prize money debate also flared up: only Team USA received official compensation, while Team Europe played for pride. Scottie Scheffler pledged to donate his earnings, and McIlroy quipped he’d pay to play on Sunday.
Viktor Hovland’s neck injury triggered an old rule: his opponent received a half point without hitting a shot. The decision split opinions. And then there was the merchandise mishap—a shirt featuring a swing eerily similar to McIlroy’s quietly disappeared from the Ryder Cup shop.
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LIV vs PGA: Suspensions and YouTube Drama
Wesley Bryan’s appearance in a LIV-supported YouTube event got him suspended by the PGA Tour. While Bryan defended his intentions, Phil Mickelson called it a blow to entrepreneurial freedom. Ironically, the host of the event, Grant Horvat, had been invited by the PGA Tour itself. The saga added another chapter to the ongoing PGA vs LIV conflict.
Elsewhere, Sophia Popov’s season was derailed by a paperwork error. After receiving LPGA approval to play, she competed in three events—only to be told later she wasn’t eligible. Her points and earnings were revoked, ending her bid for a 2026 tour card.
Tech Fails, Slow Play and Viral Moments
Rory McIlroy’s driver failed a USGA test at the PGA Championship, sparking speculation about his Masters win. Though the issue was meant to stay confidential, it leaked—unlike Scottie Scheffler’s similar case, which remained anonymous. McIlroy voiced frustration over the selective exposure.
Slow play remained a hot topic. Tom Kim embraced the TGL’s shot clock to speed up, while Alejandro Tosti was accused of using slow play as a tactic. At the Open Championship, rounds stretched to six hours, and J.J. Spaun was warned for exceeding the 50-second routine limit.
And finally, a bizarre moment at the Masters: Spanish amateur Jose Luis Ballester, unable to find a restroom, relieved himself in Rae’s Creek. The moment went viral—proof that even
