A look back at 2025’s emotional turning points, personal stories and unforgettable moments on and off the course.
From quiet farewells to roaring celebrations, 2025 was a year full of stories in the world of golf. Legendary careers came to a close, new paths were forged, and the sport delivered everything from crisis to clarity, emotion to spectacle. Sometimes, one putt is enough to define an entire year.
Bernhard Langer’s Quiet Farewell at Augusta
Some images in golf speak louder than words. When Bernhard Langer stood on the 18th green at Augusta in April, the crowd rose to their feet as the two-time Masters champion took his final putt. After 41 starts, it was time to say goodbye. He missed the cut, but that hardly mattered. It was the decades of dedication that earned global respect. Langer remained composed and grateful, expressing his wish to return as a non-playing champion. A quiet exit for a giant who never sought the spotlight, yet was impossible to overlook.
From Wildfires to Wedding Bells
While Augusta echoed with memories, another historic course faced a different challenge. Wildfires in California, driven by strong winds, forced tens of thousands to evacuate and threatened the iconic Riviera Country Club. With nearly a century of history and a stage for Olympic events and Major victories, Riviera stood in the path of destruction. Emergency crews fought to protect one of golf’s most storied venues.
Meanwhile, on the Ladies European Tour, joy took center stage. German golfer Laura Fünfstück married fellow tour player Rosie Davies and was back on the course just days later. “Nice to think about my swing again instead of tablecloths,” she joked, showing how closely personal life and professional golf intertwine.
Stars, Surprises and Sacrifices
Tiger Woods made headlines off the course, reportedly dating Vanessa Trump, ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr. Both based in Florida and active in junior golf circles, their connection drew attention during a year marked by Woods’ injury struggles and the passing of his mother.
At LIV Golf Adelaide, Patrick Reed electrified fans with a hole-in-one at the raucous 12th hole, known as the “Watering Hole.” Drinks flew, fans roared, and Reed basked in the football-like atmosphere—exactly the vibe LIV Golf aims to create.