Check in every week for the unfiltered opinions of our writers and editors as they break down the hottest topics in the sport, and join the conversation by tweeting us at @golf_com. This week, we unpack the 2024 season, make bold predictions for 2025 and more.
In 2024 we saw unpredictable comebacks, insane winning streaks and some stars finally cash in after some lengthy major droughts. But who, or what, won 2024?
Sean Zak, senior writer (@Sean_Zak): I tried really hard to come up with another answer, but there is no other answer. Who won 2024? The man who won everything. Scott Scheffler. For my money, it was the greatest season since Tiger Woods’ 2000. We’re bound to remember Scheffler’s 2024 as an all-timer … so long as he doesn’t follow it up with something even greater.
Josh Sens, senior writer (@JoshSens): If we are sticking with who, no doubt it was Scheffler. On the what front, I’d say recreational golf. Participation is up. More women and kids are playing. As the Tour/LIV divide dragged on and TV ratings dropped, this year underscored what feels more true than ever: the best part of golf is not the pro game. It’s the game most of us play.
Josh Berhow, managing editor (@Josh_Berhow): Good calls on both. Can’t disagree with Scheffler, who somehow had a better season than Nelly Korda did on the LPGA Tour. And any golfer in a well-populated area can vouch for the continued rise of recreational golf, as the struggle for last-minute tee times is as real as ever.
So if Scheffler won the year, then who would you hand out silver and bronze medals to for what they accomplished in 2024?
Zak: Silver medal for Nelly Korda, whose brilliance was just as great as Scheffler for much of the year. Bronze medal goes to Bryson DeChambeau, who helped create the greatest finish of the year. (All due respect to Lydia Ko and Xander Schauffele, of course.)
Sens: I’ll put Korda and Ko (the latter ending her major drought and punching a ticket to the Hall of Fame) on the bronze podium together and give the silver to Schauffele, who finally got off the snide by winning a major and then won a second for good measure. That’s rarefied stuff. Let’s not forget that a small swing change preceded his big breakthrough. Should be fun to watch what he does next.
Berhow: I was sold on handing out the silver to Nelly and bronze to Xander, but Sean has a point — it’s hard to argue against what Bryson did in the past year. Not only winning the U.S. Open but completely changing the narrative around him, winning back fans and becoming one of the most popular golfers on the planet. That said, here’s why I lean Xander for bronze: would Scottie or Bryson rather have his season? It’s all about major titles, and Xander won two of ’em.
Xander, Amy Yang and Ayaka Furue won their first majors in 2024. Which major-less pro finally gets theirs in 2025?
Zak: Jeeno Thitikul gets it done on the women’s side (and perhaps twice!). For the men, I’ll hang my hat on Viktor Hovland returning to the peak of his powers.
Sens: Charley Hull wins at Royal Porthcawl and lights a cigar(ette) in celebration. On the men’s side, it’s got to be Ludvig Aberg, although in his case it’s not fair to say finally. His career is far too young.
Berhow: Sam Burns has won five times on Tour but was winless last year, although he did finish in the top 10 eight times. He does just about everything well and is consistent enough to always give himself a chance. I think he takes the next step and wins a big one in 2025. How about the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow? For the women, it’s Rose Zhang. Three top 10s in majors in 2023 but none in 2024. That’s going to change in 2025, and she’s bound to win a handful before her career is over.
And the player to break out in 2025 is…
Zak: Thomas Detry. Played fantastic golf throughout most of the summer in 2024. Put himself in the running for the 2023 Ryder Cup. Seems right on the cusp of becoming a top 30 player in the world.
Sens: Michael Thorbjornsen. Fresh out of Stanford. Stellar amateur career. Top graduate of the PGA Tour University. All the makings of a star.
Berhow: Max Greyserman. Three runner-up finishes as a rookie last year. One of the best putters on Tour. More good things to come.
What’s your boldest prediction for next year?
Zak: LIV golfers win more majors than non-LIV players. And if you want me to get extra bold, the LIV slam takes place. All four, starting with Jon Rahm at the Masters. My colleague James Colgan has dubbed it the Llam.
Sens: Rory McIlroy exorcizes the demons and wins the Masters – and the career grand slam with it.
Berhow: Nelly Korda’s 2025 will be better than her 2024.
Enough about the pro golf scene, what’s your golfy resolution for 2025?
Zak: Break 75. (The real goal is to have a handicap that starts with a 5 and not a 7, and a round or two that breaks 75 will get me there.)
Sens: To be on hand to witness it when Zak breaks 75. As for my own game: to finally play an entire round without worrying about the result on a single shot.
Berhow: Lower the handicap. (Duh.) And finally create that long-overdue Ryder Cup-style golf buddies’ trip I have always wanted to organize.
