2025 Golf Recap: Controversies, Criticism and Curious Moments

The 2025 golf season was anything but dull—controversies, fan drama, rule debates and bizarre moments stole the spotlight.

From Ryder Cup drama to viral moments at Augusta, the 2025 golf season delivered more than just great sports. It was a year of heated debates, unexpected headlines and unforgettable scenes that kept fans talking long after the final putt.

Ryder Cup Chaos: Booing, Rule Reboots and a Captain’s Dilemma

The 2025 Ryder Cup was full of surprises, none bigger than Keegan Bradley’s dual role. After winning the Travelers Championship, he climbed to ninth in the Ryder Cup rankings—while already named team captain. The age-old question of whether a captain should play was reignited, but Bradley ultimately stayed on the sidelines, a wise move competitively, if a letdown theatrically.

Meanwhile, fan behavior took center stage. Rory McIlroy faced boos and heckling from American crowds, while Shane Lowry escorted a fan to security. The controversy deepened when it emerged that only Team USA received prize money—Team Europe played for free. Scottie Scheffler stuck to his donation plan, while McIlroy quipped he’d pay to play on Sunday.

Viktor Hovland’s neck injury triggered a rare rule: his opponent earned half a point without hitting a shot. The match was halved, and so were opinions. Even the Ryder Cup merchandise stirred debate—a shirt featuring a swing resembling McIlroy’s mysteriously vanished from the shop.

LIV vs PGA, Popov’s Paperwork and Driver Drama

The PGA-LIV saga added another chapter when Wesley Bryan was suspended for playing in a LIV-backed YouTube event. Ironically, Grant Horvat—the host—was invited to PGA events. Phil Mickelson called it a blow to entrepreneurial freedom, while Bryan insisted he took his career seriously.

Sophia Popov’s season was derailed by an administrative error. After being told she could play, she competed in three LPGA events—only to be informed later she wasn’t eligible. Her points and prize money were revoked, ending her bid for a 2026 tour card.

Rory McIlroy found himself in a tech controversy when his driver failed a USGA test. Though the results were meant to be confidential, leaks sparked speculation about his Masters win. The PGA of America eventually calmed the storm, but McIlroy criticized the selective leaking—especially since Scottie Scheffler’s failed test remained anonymous.

Slow Play, Shot Clocks and a Viral Creek Moment

Slow play remained a hot topic. Tom Kim admitted the TGL’s shot clock helped him 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 taking over 50 seconds on a shot.

And then there was Jose Luis Ballester at the Masters. The Spanish amateur, caught short with no restroom nearby, relieved himself in Rae’s Creek. Applause followed, and the moment went viral—an unforgettable scene