Four names, one award: The PGA Tour is looking for its 2025 Player of the Year. Who will take home the Jack Nicklaus Award?
The season is over and the trophies have been handed out—except one. The Jack Nicklaus Award, one of the most prestigious honors in golf, is awarded to the PGA Tour Player of the Year. The 2025 nominees are Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, and Ben Griffin. The winner is chosen by fellow Tour members—those who have played at least 15 PGA Tour events in the calendar year. Voting is conducted digitally and closes on December 12.
Four contenders, one goal: PGA Tour’s top honor
Six wins, two Majors, and no missed cuts—Scottie Scheffler posted a season that’s hard to beat. The 29-year-old was the most consistent player on the PGA Tour this year. With victories at the PGA Championship, The Open, and other marquee events like the Memorial and BMW Championship, Scheffler set the pace for the entire season. He also recorded the lowest scoring average (68.131) of the year, making him a clear favorite in the vote.
McIlroy completes career Grand Slam at the Masters
One of his main challengers is Rory McIlroy, who had a landmark year. In 2025, McIlroy finally won the Masters, completing the career Grand Slam—an achievement that cements his place in golf history. But that wasn’t all: he also claimed three PGA Tour victories, including the Players Championship. In total, McIlroy played 16 events, finished in the top 10 eight times, and posted the second-best scoring average (69.083).
Fleetwood and Griffin: First-time nominees
Tommy Fleetwood had long awaited a PGA Tour win, and it finally came at the season-ending Tour Championship. The Brit not only won the event but also secured the FedExCup. With eight top-10 finishes in 19 starts, a solid scoring average of