A look back at 2025: emotional farewells, personal stories, and unforgettable moments on and off the course.
The year 2025 delivered a full spectrum of golf stories. From career farewells to personal milestones, from natural disasters to viral celebrations, the sport saw it all. Sometimes, a single putt or a single moment can define an entire year.
Bernhard Langer’s Quiet Farewell at Augusta
Few images in golf speak louder than words. When Bernhard Langer stood on Augusta’s 18th green in April, the crowd rose to honor the two-time Masters champion swinging his putter one final time. After 41 starts, it was time to say goodbye. He missed the cut, but that hardly mattered. What resonated was the legacy Langer built over decades—respected not just in Germany, but globally. Calm and grateful, Langer expressed 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 Weddings: A Year of Contrasts
While Augusta echoed with memories, California’s Riviera Country Club faced a different kind of threat. Raging wildfires, fueled by strong winds, forced tens of thousands to evacuate and came dangerously close to the historic venue. Known for hosting Olympic events, Majors, and celebrity tournaments, Riviera found itself in the evacuation zone. Firefighters battled to protect one of golf’s most iconic courses.
Elsewhere, joy took center stage. On the Ladies European Tour, Laura Fünfstück married fellow pro Rosie Davies. Just days later, she was back on the tee box. “Nice to think about my swing again instead of tablecloths,” she joked, highlighting the delicate balance between personal life and professional sport.
Meanwhile, Tiger Woods made headlines off the course. Rumors swirled about a relationship with Vanessa Trump, ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr. Both based in Florida and active in junior golf circles, the pair were spotted together multiple times. As Woods dealt with injury and the passing of his mother, his private life once again drew public attention.
Celebrations, Sacrifices, and Sudden Stops
LIV Golf Adelaide brought the noise—literally. Patrick Reed’s hole-in-one on the 12th, the infamous “Watering Hole,” sent fans into a frenzy. Drinks flew, cheers erupted, and Reed raised his arms in triumph. The scene felt more like a football game than a golf tournament—exactly the vibe LIV Golf aims to create.
On the