A look back at 2025: emotional turning points, personal stories, and unforgettable scenes on and off the course.
2025 was a year full of stories. Legendary careers came to an end, while new paths were forged. Between farewells and fresh starts, crisis and clarity, emotion and spectacle, golf delivered it all. Sometimes, one putt is enough to define a whole year. Here’s the year in review.
One Last Time at Augusta – Bernhard Langer’s Quiet Farewell
There are few images in golf that speak louder than words. But 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 appearances, it was time to say goodbye. He missed the cut, but that hardly mattered. What resonated was the legacy Langer built over decades at Augusta – respected not only in Germany but around the world. True to form, Langer remained composed and grateful, expressing his wish to return often as a “non-playing champion.” A quiet exit for a giant who never sought the spotlight but could never be overlooked.
Between Glory and Smoke
While Augusta was filled with memories, another historic course in California faced a different challenge. Wildfires, fueled by strong winds, forced tens of thousands to evacuate and came dangerously close to the Riviera Country Club. With nearly a century of history, Riviera has hosted Olympic events, Major victories, and countless celebrities. As flames threatened one of golf’s most iconic venues, emergency crews battled to prevent disaster.
Moments That Moved the Golf World
It wasn’t just places, but people who shaped the year. On the Ladies European Tour, Laura Fünfstück added a personal highlight by marrying fellow tour player Rosie Davies. Just days later, she was back on the course. “Nice to think about my swing again instead of table linens,” she joked, showing how closely personal life and professional golf intertwine.
Meanwhile, Tiger Woods made headlines off the course. Reports suggested a relationship with Vanessa Trump, ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr. Both based in Florida, they were seen together multiple times. With both families involved in junior golf, their paths naturally crossed. For Woods, it was a year of personal challenges, including injury and the loss of his mother, with his private life once again in the spotlight.
At LIV Golf Adelaide, Patrick Reed delivered a moment of pure celebration. His hole-in-one on the