A look back at 2025’s emotional turning points, personal stories and unforgettable moments on and off the course.
2025 was a year full of stories. Legendary careers came to a close, new paths were forged, and the game of golf offered a full spectrum of drama—from quiet goodbyes to explosive celebrations. Sometimes, a single putt is enough to define an entire season. Here’s the year in review.
Bernhard Langer’s Quiet Farewell at Augusta
Few images in golf speak louder than words. But when Bernhard Langer stood on the 18th green at Augusta in April, the crowd rising to its feet as the two-time Masters champion took his final putt, it was one of those rare moments. After 41 starts, it was time to say goodbye. He missed the cut, but that hardly mattered. What resonated was the decades Langer spent competing on that hallowed ground—earning respect not just in Germany, but around the world. Langer remained composed, grateful, and hopeful to return as a non-competing champion. A quiet exit for a giant who never sought the spotlight but was impossible to overlook.
Golf in the Face of Fire: Riviera Threatened
While Augusta was steeped in nostalgia, another iconic course faced a different kind of challenge. In California, wildfires driven by fierce winds forced tens of thousands to evacuate, threatening the historic Riviera Country Club. Nearly a century old and host to Olympic events, Majors, and celebrity tournaments, Riviera found itself in the path of destruction. As residents fled, emergency crews battled to protect one of golf’s most storied venues.
Love, Life, and the Tour: Laura Fünfstück’s Big Year
Golfers weren’t just making headlines for their play. On the Ladies European Tour, Laura Fünfstück added a personal milestone to her season—marrying fellow pro Rosie Davies. Just days later, she was back on the course. “Nice to think about my swing again instead of table settings,” she joked, highlighting how closely personal life and professional golf intertwine. Sometimes, only a travel day separates the two.
Meanwhile, Tiger Woods made headlines off the course. Reports linked him romantically to Vanessa Trump, ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr. Both based in Florida and with children active in junior golf, the connection sparked media interest. For Woods, who endured injury setbacks and the loss of his mother this year, the spotlight shifted once again to his private life.
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