A look back at 2025’s most emotional turning points, personal stories and unforgettable moments on and off the course.
2025 was a year rich with stories. Legendary careers came to a close, new paths were forged, and the golf world saw everything from quiet goodbyes to explosive celebrations. Sometimes, a single putt is enough to define an entire year. Here’s our year in review.
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 its feet as the two-time Masters champion took his final putt. After 41 appearances, it was time to say goodbye. He missed the cut, but that hardly mattered. What resonated was the decades of dedication Langer gave to Augusta, earning global respect. True to form, Langer remained composed and thankful, 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 Fire to Festivities: Golf’s Contrasts in 2025
While Augusta was steeped in nostalgia, another iconic course faced a very different challenge. Wildfires in California, driven by fierce winds, forced tens of thousands to evacuate and threatened the historic Riviera Country Club. A nearly century-old venue known for hosting Olympic events, Majors, and welcoming stars from sport and film, Riviera found itself in the path of destruction. Emergency crews battled to protect one of golf’s most storied locations.
Meanwhile, LIV Golf Adelaide delivered a very different kind of heat. Patrick Reed’s hole-in-one on the 12th hole, the infamous “Watering Hole,” sent the crowd into a frenzy. Drinks flew, fans roared, and Reed raised his arms in triumph. The scene felt more like a football match than a golf tournament — exactly the vibe LIV Golf aims to create.
Personal Stories That Shaped the Season
Beyond the fairways, personal moments defined the year. On the Ladies European Tour, Laura Fünfstück married fellow pro Rosie Davies, and just days later was back on the course. “Nice to think about my swing again instead of tablecloths,” she joked, highlighting how closely personal life and professional golf intertwine.
Tiger Woods also made headlines — not for his game, but for his rumored relationship with Vanessa Trump, ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr. Both based in Florida and active in