Golf Year in Review 2025: Controversies, Criticism and Chaos

The 2025 golf season was anything but dull—controversies, fan drama, and rule chaos dominated the headlines.

From rule rewrites to viral mishaps, 2025 delivered a whirlwind of off-course drama and on-course surprises. While players like Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler delivered strong performances, it was often the unexpected moments that stole the spotlight. Here’s a look back at the most talked-about stories in golf this past year.

Ryder Cup Drama: Booing Fans and a Playing Captain Dilemma

The 2025 Ryder Cup was filled with unexpected twists. Team USA captain Keegan Bradley found himself ranked ninth in the Ryder Cup standings after winning the Travelers Championship, sparking debate over whether a captain should also play. A rule tweak allowed it, but Bradley ultimately stayed on the sidelines—strategically smart, but theatrically underwhelming.

Meanwhile, fans made their presence known. Rory McIlroy faced loud boos and distractions during play, while Shane Lowry escorted a fan to security. The controversy deepened when it was revealed that only Team USA received prize money, prompting McIlroy to quip he’d pay to play on Sunday. Viktor Hovland’s injury triggered an obscure rule granting his opponent a half-point without a single shot played, dividing opinion across the golf world.

Adding to the oddities, a Ryder Cup shop shirt featuring a silhouette resembling McIlroy mysteriously vanished from shelves after sparking speculation.

PGA vs. LIV: Suspensions and YouTube Confusion

The PGA-LIV saga continued with Wesley Bryan suspended by the PGA Tour for appearing in a LIV-backed YouTube event called “The Duels.” While Bryan defended his professionalism, Phil Mickelson called the suspension an attack on entrepreneurial freedom. Ironically, Grant Horvat—whose channel hosted the event—had been invited to a PGA Tour event, highlighting the ongoing confusion and contradictions in the PGA-LIV feud.

Elsewhere, Sophia Popov’s season was derailed by an administrative 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 was again in the spotlight when his driver failed a USGA test during the PGA Championship. Although the result was supposed to remain confidential, it leaked, sparking speculation about his Masters win. The PGA of America later clarified the situation, but questions lingered—especially since Scottie Scheffler’s failed test remained anonymous. McIlroy expressed frustration over the selective leaks.

Slow play also dominated headlines. Tom Kim admitted the TGL’s shot clock helped him speed up, while Alejandro Tosti was accused of intentionally slowing down to disrupt opponents. At the Open Championship, rounds stretched to six hours, and J.J. Spaun received a warning for taking over 50 seconds on a shot.

And finally, in perhaps the most bizarre moment of the year, Spanish amateur Jose Luis Ballester relieved himself in Rae’s Creek