Ten new PGA Tour cards, Kai Trump’s LPGA debut, Fleetwood’s UAE expansion, and Tiger Woods returns. The Back Nine.
Rory McIlroy capped off a remarkable 2025 season with his seventh Harry Vardon Trophy, despite a narrow playoff loss at the DP World Tour Championship. The Northern Irishman had already claimed victories at the Masters, Players Championship, Irish Open, and Pebble Beach Pro-Am, not to mention a crucial Ryder Cup win on European soil.
Though he missed out on The Open at Portrush and the World No. 1 spot, McIlroy rated his season a perfect ten. Now, speculation is mounting that he could be knighted for his services to British and European golf. With a career Grand Slam completed and a Ryder Cup legacy cemented, many believe a visit to King Charles III is imminent. Sir Nick Faldo received the honor in 2009—some argue McIlroy has done even more.
“If that ever happens, it would be an incredible honor,” McIlroy said. For now, he’s focused on settling into his new home in Wentworth Estates, where he’s added a trophy room in the basement. “I like to display my trophies, but in places that aren’t too obvious,” he noted. “We probably spent more time picking the color of Poppy’s bedroom than deciding where the trophies go.”
Ten Earn PGA Tour Cards
Ten players have secured PGA Tour status via the DP World Tour’s season standings. Leading the group is England’s Marco Penge, a three-time winner this year. Notably, former LIV Golf player Laurie Canter also earned his card, highlighting the increasingly fluid movement between tours.
Kai Trump’s Encouraging LPGA Debut
Kai Trump, granddaughter of Donald Trump, made her LPGA debut at The Annika. Despite missing the cut with rounds of 83 and 75 (+18 total), the 18-year-old amateur showed flashes of promise, including four birdies and a near hole-in-one. Her average drive of 220 meters and 11 of 14 fairways hit on day two were solid stats for a debutante.
Tiger Woods Back in Public
After undergoing back surgery in October, Tiger Woods made a rare public appearance at a Bridgestone event alongside Fred Couples and Matt Kuchar. Though not listed for the upcoming PNC Championship with son Charlie, Woods’ presence has fans hopeful. He was also spotted supporting Charlie at a high school state championship, where The Benjamin School clinched victory thanks in part to a stellar performance from Woods Jr.