The golf world has been full of surprises in 2024, with shock retirements, surprising returns, and unexpected moments that left fans gasping. One of the biggest shocks of the year was Tiger Woods ending his 27-year relationship with Nike in January, with Sun Day Red revealed as his new sponsor one month later. As the season draws to a close, it’s time to look back on the most shocking moments of the year.
Among the nominees for Shock of the Year are Rory McIlroy’s missed putts at the 70th and 72nd holes of the US Open, Lexi Thompson’s retirement announcement, and Anthony Kim’s return to competitive golf. Keegan Bradley being announced as the US Ryder Cup Captain for Bethpage Black next year was also a major surprise, as few saw this coming. The international team whitewashing the US Team 5-0 at the Presidents Cup after being whitewashed 24 hours earlier was another unexpected turn of events.
For many, the most shocking moment of 2024 was Rory McIlroy’s missed putt on the 16th hole at Pinehurst No.2. This moment changed the narrative of the entire event, as McIlroy was on the verge of ending his Major drought and returning to the summit of the game until that three-footer slid by. Bryson DeChambeau capitalized on McIlroy’s error to solidify his own status as a superstar in the golf world. This missed putt could potentially shape McIlroy’s entire career and is a moment that will be remembered for years to come.
Keegan Bradley’s appointment as US Ryder Cup Captain for next year was a surprising choice by the PGA of America, given his current world ranking and recent victory at the BMW Championship. The decision to appoint Bradley as Captain shows that the PGA is looking for a new direction after the defeat in Rome. It remains to be seen whether this move will pay off for the American team or if it will backfire in the end.
Lexi Thompson’s sudden retirement announcement was another shock in 2024, as the golf world was caught off guard by her decision to step away from the game. Tiger Woods’ departure from Nike had been rumored for some time, so while his switch to Sun Day Red was unexpected, it was not completely surprising. Anthony Kim’s return to competitive golf was also a moment that had been widely reported, but still came as a shock to many fans.
Overall, the golf world has seen its fair share of surprises in 2024, from unexpected retirements to shocking comebacks. As the season comes to a close, fans can reflect on the most memorable moments of the year, including missed putts, unexpected victories, and surprising announcements. The sport of golf continues to be full of twists and turns, keeping fans on the edge of their seats and eagerly awaiting what the next year will bring. Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest news and highlights from the world of golf.
