Counting Down the Most Viral Golf Stories of 2023 (the Top 5)

In our first look at what you were most engaged with on social media in 2023, LIV Golf dominated the bottom half of the top-10 list. 

You may be surprised (relieved?), however, to know that there isn’t nearly as many mentions of LIV in our top five. We’re counting down the top-five most viral Golficity stories of the year, based on likes, comments, and shares from our Facebook page.

#5 Finau Caddying for Son After PGA Tour Win

After out-dueling Jon Rahm to win the Mexico Open at Vidanta this past spring, Tony Finau went back to the links later that day, but it wasn’t to work on his game. Finau was spotted at a local par-3 course caddying for sons Jraice and Sage. A father’s work is never done!

Tony Finau caddying for his kids hours after winning the Mexico Open.

One of the good guys. pic.twitter.com/sZpFcrBjRh

— Fore Play (@ForePlayPod) May 1, 2023

#4 Jon Rahm to LIV Golf a ‘Done Deal’

What started as chatter on X (formerly Twitter) quickly turned into a wildfire in late November, when two sources confirmed that Jon Rahm would be leaving the PGA Tour to join LIV. We since learned that the deal has been reported to be for over $500 million, and Rahm will be captaining a new team on the circuit. It also led to Rory McIlroy calling for the DP World Tour to change its rules to allow Rahm to remain eligible for future Ryder Cups.

#3 Tiger Woods Returns at the Genesis Invitational to Controversy

For many of us, good-natured ribbing on the golf course stays within the ropes. But when you’re Tiger Woods, everything is going to be caught on camera. That was the case in February, when Woods presented playing partner and good buddy Justin Thomas with a tampon after Woods outdrove Thomas in his first tournament since the 2022 Open Championship. Once word got out, Woods apologized.

#2 Adam Hadwin Tackled by Security for Celebrating Nick Taylor’s Win

When Nick Taylor drained a long putt to win the RBC Canadian Open in a playoff, it sparked a huge celebration for the native son winning his national open. Fellow Canadian golfer Adam Hadwin decided to join the celebration on the green, but a security guard wasn’t clued in to Hadwin’s status as a PGA Tour pro. Instead, he thought it was a fan bursting in on Taylor’s moment, so Hadwin was promptly tackled to the ground.

Adam Hadwin got tackled celebrating Nick Taylor’s win.

Tackle form by security – 4.8

pic.twitter.com/esJRtystsI

— Jared Doerfler (@DoerflerJared) June 11, 2023

#1 Rickie Fowler Signs for Volunteers

A moment that may have gone unnoticed struck a chord with our followers, as Rickie Fowler’s generosity led to our most viral story. After playing a tremendous first round that saw Fowler leading the U.S. Open in Los Angeles, he came back to hand out autographed balls to the volunteer standard bearers who walked the course with him. Fowler, one of the most popular players on tour, hadn’t won in over four years at that point. While he didn’t win this major, he did get back into the winner’s circle the following month at the Rocket Mortgage Classic. 

Cover Image via CNN