The Controversial and Costly Rules Violations of the 2025 Golf Season

The 2025 pro golf season was chock full of bizarre and controversial rule violations.
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In the realm of professional golf, rules violations are almost an inevitability, given the hundreds of events and thousands of rounds that occur annually across various tours. While most penalties are mundane and often overlooked, each season introduces mind-boggling incidents that not only spark debates but also tarnish the reputations of players. The 2025 season was no exception, presenting a series of rule infractions marked by accusations of cheating, shocking disqualifications, and downright surreal situations that left viewers and experts scrambling for comprehension.

As players navigate the intricate landscape of golf’s governing rules, which can be explored in further detail at Rules of Golf, we take a deeper dive into the most significant—and often bizarre—rule violations from the 2025 season. These scenarios illustrate how the complexities of golf can lead to unexpected consequences, impacting players’ careers and earnings.

A Disqualification That Left Marcel Siem in Turmoil

The first scandal on our list arose during the BMW PGA Championship, one of the premier events on the DP World Tour, held at Wentworth in September. Veteran golfer Marcel Siem suffered a disqualification under odd circumstances. After his tee shot found the water hazard, he mistakenly chose to hit a provisional ball—despite the original shot being located. Upon realising his blunder, he played on, ultimately landing in the scorer’s tent where officials declared his DQ. Siem took to social media to defend his actions, firmly stating, “Hey, guys, just wanted to give you a quick insight on what happened. I didn’t cheat; I would never do that."

Shane Lowry’s Frustration at the Open

During the 2025 Open Championship at Royal Portrush, Shane Lowry encountered a distressing rule violation that would leave him visibly frustrated. On the 12th hole of Round 2, a practice swing caused his ball to "oscillate" — a movement that led to Lowry receiving a two-shot penalty after video evidence confirmed the infraction. Although he accepted the penalty, Lowry expressed disappointment over the lack of camera angles that could have provided clarity. This incident raised questions about the transparency and accuracy of the ruling systems in high-stakes tournaments.

Rory McIlroy’s Unbelievable Banana Peel Incident

World No. 2 Rory McIlroy experienced a bizarre twist in his otherwise glittering season during the Australian Open at Royal Melbourne in December. After hitting a shot into thick rough, he discovered it nestled under a banana peel. Under golf rules, McIlroy wasn’t allowed to move the banana peel for fear of displacing his ball, which resulted in him forcing a shot without a drop. McIlroy explained, “The banana is a loose impediment. If I moved it, the ball would move.” This light-hearted yet rule-abiding moment showcased the unpredictable nature of golf.

A Double Disqualification at Korn Ferry Tour

The Korn Ferry Tour’s 2025 Memorial Health Championship involved a rare double disqualification that mesmerized the golf community. Pro Cole Hammer reported a rule violation after his playing partner’s caddie communicated club selection using hand signals, which violates rules prohibiting advice between players and caddies. Surprisingly, Hammer also found himself disqualified alongside Nelson Ledesma, demonstrating the gravity of the infraction. Hammer’s disbelief underscored the lesson that rules are closely monitored and have far-reaching consequences.

Internet Invitational’s Virtual Debacle

The newly established Internet Invitational made headlines for its modern approach to competitive golf, but it also found itself amid rule-related controversies. During a million-dollar match, competitor Malosi Togisala faced accusations of misusing the slope function on his rangefinder, which is banned. However, after an exhaustive investigation, no penalties were enforced. This episode revealed how emerging formats and technological integrations in golf could lead to tense situations among competitors and officials.

A Q-School Penalty with High Stakes

Ben Kohles faced an unfortunate fate at Q-School as he aimed for a coveted PGA Tour card for 2026. After losing his tee shot in a wooded area, he inadvertently moved his ball while removing loose impediments, resulting in a one-stroke penalty. This misstep led to a series of unfortunate events that saw him slip in the leaderboard, missing the Tour card by just five shots after ultimately signing for a five-over 75.

Cedric Gugler’s Reckless Disqualification

In a turn of events that shocked fans and players alike, Swiss pro Cedric Gugler faced disqualification for multiple infringements at the HotelPlanner Tour in the Czech Republic. After playing his ball from improper locations on several occasions, Gugler was deemed to have conducted himself below the expected standards of professionalism mandated by the tour. Following an independent disciplinary investigation, Gugler received a ten-event suspension for the 2026 season, sending a strong message about ethical conduct in sport.

Sam Bairstow’s Self-Disqualification and Fine

At the DP World Tour’s Nexo Championship, pro Sam Bairstow opted to self-disqualify after realizing he failed to appropriately rectify a ball movement incident that occurred while he was in deep rough. His admission, however, did not exempt him from further repercussions—a subsequent €25,000 fine for breaching the tour’s code of behavior underscored the stringent rules governing behavior and gameplay in these high-stakes environments.

Davis Riley’s Honesty Costs Him at Byron Nelson

As he played confidently at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, Davis Riley encountered an ethical dilemma when he unintentionally accessed the slope adjustment on his rangefinder before his shot. Upholding the spirit of the game, Riley promptly self-reported the infraction, incurring a two-shot penalty that initially threatened his cutline status. Remarkably, he managed to overcome the setback with an eagle, but the incident amplified discussions around integrity and adherence to rules in competitive golf.

Bryson Nimmer’s Slow-Play Penalty

In a situation highlighting the importance of pacing in tournaments, Bryson Nimmer faced a one-shot penalty for slow play during the Korn Ferry Tour Finals. Attributing his prolonged decision-making to the pressure of the moment, Nimmer’s infraction cost him essential ground in the standings, ultimately preventing him from securing the sought-after PGA Tour card. His experience serves as a cautionary tale for golfers about the potential repercussions of slow play in the fast-paced world of professional golf.

Amateurs Learn Hard Lessons on the Tour

Michael La Sasso, a promising amateur golfer, faced a rude awakening at the Sanderson Farms Championship when he received a penalty for improving his lie, ultimately causing his drop down the leaderboard. After an impressive opening round, he finished significantly below the cut. This incident sheds light on the importance of understanding and abiding by the rules, particularly for amateurs stepping into the professional sphere.

Conclusion: A Season of Learning and Reflection

The 2025 professional golf season will be remembered for its myriad rule violations, each presenting unique challenges and lessons for players at all levels. From absurd incidents like a banana peel causing a dilemma for McIlroy to the serious implications of a double disqualification at the Korn Ferry Tour, the importance of maintaining integrity and understanding rules cannot be overstated. As golf continues to evolve, players and officials alike should strive for clarity, education, and adherence to the game’s fundamental principles. With the growing complexity and scrutiny of rules, aspiring professionals must remain vigilant, ensuring that their on-course conduct aligns with the high standards set by the sport.