Top 15 Golf Stories of 2025: A Year to Remember

The world of professional golf in 2025 was nothing short of extraordinary. From a career Grand Slam to thrilling Ryder Cup moments, the past year encompassed a spectrum of excitement and drama. As we gear up for 2026, let’s reflect on the most impactful stories that defined golf in 2025.

15. The Zero-Torque Putter Movement

J.J. Spaun’s stunning 64-foot putt clinched a U.S. Open victory, propelling him into the spotlight. His success highlighted the trend toward "zero-torque" putters—an innovation that is transforming both professional and recreational golf. Spaun’s win marked the first major title for a player using a zero-torque model, as sales of these putters continue to rise. Odyssey’s VP of Product Strategy, Jacob Davidson, noted, "We may be seeing the creation of a ‘game-improvement’ putter category."

14. ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ Takes the Golf World by Storm

While Capital One’s "The Match" garnered attention, it was "Happy Gilmore 2" that captivated the golf-loving public. This cinematic sequel embraced its own absurdity, effectively utilizing modern multi-platform marketing to attract a significant audience.

13. Joaquin Niemann’s Dominance

2025 was a significant year for LIV Golf, particularly for its star golfer, Joaquin Niemann. The 27-year-old Chilean secured five victories on the 54-hole circuit, prompting Jon Rahm to describe him as "one of the best players in the world." Rahm argued that Niemann deserves more recognition, and his performances truly showcased his talent.

12. J.J. Spaun Conquers Oakmont

Facing a challenging 64-foot putt in rainy conditions on the final hole of the U.S. Open, Spaun put everything on the line. As he celebrated his victory, electrifying moments unfolded around the green, adding to the drama of the occasion.

11. The Internet Invitational

A noteworthy highlight in 2025 was the Internet Invitational, a unique event that blurred the lines between reality TV and golf. Former PGA Tour pro Luke Kwon became a viral sensation for his late arrival at the tournament, setting off a chain reaction of social media buzz.

10. Jeeno Thitikul’s Record-Breaking Year

At the CME Globe Tour Championship, Jeeno Thitikul established herself as a formidable force on the LPGA Tour, winning for the second consecutive year. She also achieved a remarkable scoring average of 68.68, surpassing Annika Sörenstam’s previous record. Thitikul’s journey serves as a reminder of the emotional highs and lows in a sports career.

9. Tiger Woods’ New Role

Tiger Woods held a much-anticipated press conference at the Hero World Challenge, offering insights into his future in professional golf. His candid reflections on recovery and his vision for the sport conveyed a renewed enthusiasm that resonated with fans and media alike.

8. Tommy Fleetwood Breaks Through

Tommy Fleetwood secured his long-awaited victory at the Tour Championship, marking a triumphant return to top form. His resilience throughout a challenging year showcased his character and earned him a rightful place on our list of significant moments.

7. The Birth of TGL

The launch of TGL, a mixed-reality golf league, in early 2025 was a groundbreaking development for the sport. Eye-catching and innovative, the league attracted 24 of the world’s best golfers. Despite initial challenges, TGL aims to enhance its fan engagement in upcoming seasons.

6. Keegan Bradley’s Big Decision

In a surprising turn of events, Keegan Bradley was appointed the 2025 Ryder Cup captain. Despite his desire to play, Bradley made the tough decision to lead the team instead. This choice set the stage for an intriguing narrative throughout the Ryder Cup.

5. Europe Wins Another Ryder Cup

The 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black saw Europe emerge victorious once more, solidifying their strong legacy in this prestigious tournament. Captain Luke Donald’s team demonstrated unmatched cohesion and focus, leading to their triumph over the United States.

4. Bethpage Chaos

The Ryder Cup in 2025 was marred by chaos, exposing flaws in the management of the event. Issues related to crowd control and ticketing overshadowed the excitement of the matches, calling for significant changes to enhance the spectator experience.

3. Scottie Scheffler’s Dominance

Scottie Scheffler continued to astound the golf world with his impressive performances, including winning his fourth major title at the Open Championship. His ability to articulate experiences in a memorable press conference further highlighted his prominence in the sport.

2. Golf’s New Sheriffs

Though 2025 saw little progress in golfer reunification or women’s rankings, it was marked by a shift in leadership that paved the way for meaningful change in professional golf. New executives fostered a renewed sense of energy, opening doors for future advancements.

1. Rory McIlroy’s Grand Slam Triumph

Rory McIlroy’s victory at Augusta for a career Grand Slam was the pinnacle of the 2025 golf season. This long-awaited achievement culminated in an emotional moment shared with fans, family, and the golfing community, solidifying McIlroy’s legacy.

As we herald 2026, these pivotal stories will resonate in the annals of professional golf, symbolizing the sport’s vibrant evolution.