Memorable Moments from the 2025 Golf Season: Highlights from the PGA and LPGA Tours
The 2025 golf season was one filled with extraordinary performances, landmark victories, and unforgettable moments both on the PGA and LPGA Tours. Rory McIlroy’s stunning career Grand Slam at the Masters and Scottie Scheffler’s two major victories highlighted a year that featured a total of 46 official tournaments on the PGA Tour and 32 on the LPGA. Below, we explore the most memorable highlights of the year.
Rory McIlroy Completes His Grand Slam
Rory McIlroy’s win at the 2025 Masters was not just a victory; it was a culmination of years of hard work and emotional turmoil. After an 11-year major drought and previous heartbreaks at Augusta, including a soul-crushing defeat in 2011 and the 2024 U.S. Open, McIlroy’s journey took a dramatic turn.
On Sunday, after a tense finish that included a double-bogey on the 13th and a bogey on the 18th, McIlroy entered into a sudden-death playoff with Justin Rose. His birdie on the first playoff hole was a riveting display of skill and passion, marking one of the most emotional moments of the season.
J.J. Spaun’s Epic Victory at the U.S. Open
At the 2025 U.S. Open held at Oakmont, J.J. Spaun confronted a challenging start, posting five bogeys in his first six holes of the final round. However, a weather delay provided him the reset he needed. Spaun rebounded with a stellar back nine, capped off by a jaw-dropping 64-foot birdie putt on the 18th, bringing him his first major championship.
Keegan Bradley Shines at the Travelers Championship
Keegan Bradley’s remarkable resurgence continued at the 2025 Travelers Championship, where he showcased exceptional putting skills. With three long birdies and a clutch six-footer on the final hole, he edged out Tommy Fleetwood and Russell Henley to capture his third win in three seasons, solidifying his case for Ryder Cup captain.
Cameron Young’s Breakthrough at the Wyndham Championship
After a string of near-misses, Cameron Young finally broke through at the 2025 Wyndham Championship, winning by an impressive six shots. His performance not only validated his potential but also earned him a spot on the U.S. Ryder Cup team, where he excelled with a record of 3-1-0.
Tommy Fleetwood’s First PGA Tour Win
Tommy Fleetwood, long considered one of the Tour’s top players without a PGA Tour win, finally clinched his first title at the 2025 Tour Championship. His three-shot victory over Patrick Cantlay and Russell Henley not only earned him a check for $10 million but also marked a significant milestone in his illustrious career.
Lottie Woad’s Impressive Pro Debut
A former World No. 1 amateur, Lottie Woad made headlines by winning the Women’s Scottish Open in her professional debut. This remarkable achievement mirrored that of Rose Zhang in 2023, positioning her as a rising star in the LPGA circuit.
Jeeno Thitikul’s Resilience
Despite a heartbreaking loss at the Kroger Queen City Classic, where she famously four-putted the 18th hole, Jeeno Thitikul bounced back stronger than ever. Her victory at the LPGA Shanghai and subsequent win at the CME Group Tour Championship made her the only three-time winner of the season, solidifying her status as a dominant force on the tour.
Viktor Hovland’s Comeback
Viktor Hovland, who struggled through a winless 2024, found redemption at the Valspar Championship. Trailing Justin Thomas, Hovland birdied three of his final five holes to capture the victory, even if he was less than thrilled with his own game.
Justin Rose’s Unforgettable Win
At 45, Justin Rose proved age is just a number by winning the FedEx St. Jude in a wire-to-wire fashion, marking his first victory since 2023. His playoff win over J.J. Spaun showcased his ability to compete against the younger talent on tour.
Justin Thomas Breaks His Drought at the RBC Heritage
After nearly three years without a win, Justin Thomas returned to form at the RBC Heritage. He triumphed in a playoff against Andrew Novak, hitting a crucial birdie putt, which reignited his confidence as he heads into future events.
Scottie Scheffler’s Two Major Wins
Scottie Scheffler’s impressive season included two major victories, with the PGA Championship being particularly poignant. After a tumultuous 2024, he demonstrated composure and skill, putting him on the brink of a career Grand Slam with another U.S. Open victory in his sights.
Chaos at the Ryder Cup
Lastly, the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black was an event full of dramatic moments and intense competition. Team Europe emerged victorious with a narrow 15-13 margin, featuring gripping matchups, emotional comebacks, and a captivating crowd atmosphere.
The 2025 golf season was a treasure trove of unforgettable moments, showcasing the best of professional golf. From individual triumphs to thrilling tournaments, the year will go down as one of the most significant in recent memory for the PGA and LPGA Tours alike.
