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 most 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—specifically, those who have played at least 15 PGA Tour events during the calendar year. Voting is open until December 12 and takes place via the Tour’s digital voting system.
Four contenders, one goal: PGA Tour’s top honor
Six wins, two Majors, and no missed cuts—Scottie Scheffler delivered a season for the ages. The 29-year-old was the most consistent player on Tour, capturing titles at the PGA Championship, The Open, as well as marquee events like the Memorial and BMW Championship. He also posted the lowest scoring average of the season (68.131). It’s no surprise that Scheffler is among the frontrunners in this year’s vote.
McIlroy completes career Grand Slam at the Masters
One of Scheffler’s challengers is Rory McIlroy, who made history in 2025 by winning the Masters—the final piece of his career Grand Slam. That milestone alone secures his legacy in the sport. But McIlroy didn’t stop there: he also notched three PGA Tour wins, including the Players Championship. He played 16 events, finished in the top ten eight times, and recorded the second-best scoring average (69.083).
Fleetwood and Griffin: First-time nominees
Tommy Fleetwood had long awaited his first PGA Tour victory, and it finally came at the season-ending Tour Championship. The Brit not only won the event but also clinched the FedExCup. With eight top-10 finishes in 19 starts, a solid scoring average of 69.357, and a world ranking of No. 4, Fleetwood peaked at just the right time.
Ben Griffin, meanwhile, was the workhorse among the nominees. With 30 starts, three victories, and twelve top-10 finishes, he climbed the rankings through sheer consistency. Both Fleetwood and Griffin are first-time nominees, a testament to their impressive performances throughout the PGA Tour season.