As professional golf evolves, a new generation of talent is making its mark on the sport. From seasoned veterans staging impressive comebacks to exceptional young rookies breaking records, these golfers have captivated the world with their skill, determination, and passion. In this listicle, we explore the top 12 golfers to watch in 2025, each poised to make a notable impact on the PGA and European Tours.
12. Luke Clanton
Luke Clanton, the world’s top-ranked amateur, has consistently demonstrated his readiness for the PGA Tour. With four top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour in 2024, including a T-2 at the RSM Classic and a T-2 at the John Deere Classic, Clanton is poised for a successful professional career. His recent performances have elevated him to No. 93 in the Official World Golf Ranking, the second-best position by an amateur ever.
11. Matteo Manassero
Matteo Manassero, a 31-year-old Italian golfer, is making a remarkable comeback. After a career dip that saw him drop to 1,805 in the world rankings, he has steadily risen back up. In 2024, he won the Jonsson Workwear Open, his first European Tour victory in over 10 years, and is now in contention for a PGA Tour card.
10. Jesper Svensson
Jesper Svensson, a Swedish professional golfer, has made a significant impact on the European Tour. In 2023, he won the B-NL Challenge Trophy on the Challenge Tour, and in 2024, he claimed his first European Tour win at the Porsche Singapore Classic. He finished the 2024 season 10th on the Race to Dubai rankings, earning a PGA Tour card for 2025 and was named the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year.
9. Niklas Norgaard
Niklas Nørgaard, a Danish golfer, has made a strong start to the 2025 European Ryder Cup qualification process by leading the rankings after his maiden DP World Tour victory at the Betfred British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo. He won by two strokes, earning 250 qualifying points.
8. Tommy Fleetwood
Tommy Fleetwood, despite not being a newcomer, continues to be a significant force in golf. In 2024, he had notable finishes including a T3 at the Masters Tournament and a T5 at the BMW Championship. His consistent performance has earned him an estimated net worth of $15 million.
7. Si Woo Kim
Si Woo Kim, a South Korean golfer, has established himself with four professional wins, including the 2017 Players Championship. His net worth is estimated at $27,674,878, reflecting his PGA Tour earnings and sponsorships. Kim has consistently ranked in the top 50 of the World Golf Rankings and has represented South Korea in international competitions like the Presidents Cup. His precise short game and strategic approach have been key to his success.
6. Tom Kim
Tom Kim, a South Korean professional golfer, has already made a significant impact in the golf world. With three PGA Tour wins, including back-to-back victories at the Shriners Children’s Open in 2022 and 2023, he is one of the youngest players to achieve such success. His consistent performance and exceptional putting skills make him a player to watch in 2025.
5. Thriston Lawrence
Thriston Lawrence, a 28-year-old South African golfer, has rapidly risen through the ranks. He won the 2021 Joburg Open, 2022 Omega European Masters, 2022 Investec South African Open Championship, and 2023 BMW International Open. Lawrence finished solo-fourth at the 2024 Open Championship and secured a PGA Tour card for the 2025 season.
4. Rasmus Hojgaard
Rasmus Hojgaard, a Danish professional golfer, has been making waves on the DP World Tour. With five European Tour victories, including the 2024 Amgen Irish Open, he is one of the youngest players to achieve this feat since José María Olazábal in 1989. His recent performances have positioned him to join his twin brother Nicolai on the PGA Tour for 2024.
3. Robert MacIntyre
Robert MacIntyre is a Scottish professional golfer who has made significant strides in his career. In 2024, he secured two major wins: the RBC Canadian Open and the Genesis Scottish Open, both co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. His recent performances have earned him over $8 million in prize money and a ranking of 17th in the FedExCup standings. With six top-10 finishes in 24 tournaments this season, MacIntyre is a golfer to watch in 2025.
2. Miles Russell
Miles Russell, a 15-year-old from Jacksonville Beach, Florida, has already made a significant impact in the golf world. He became one of the youngest golfers to compete in a PGA Tour sanctioned event at the 2024 Rocket Mortgage Classic and finished tied for 20th in the LECOM Suncoast Classic on the Korn Ferry Tour. Russell also won the Junior PGA Championship and the Junior Players Championship, earning a spot on the U.S. Junior Ryder Cup Team.
1. Neal Shipley
Neal Shipley, 23, is a rising star in golf after becoming the sixth player to win low amateur honors at both the Masters and US Open in 2024. A Stanford-educated golfer who actually graduated from Ohio State, Shipley earned his PGA Tour card for 2024 and 2025 by finishing No. 1 in the PGA Tour University Ranking. His coach, Conrad Ray, describes him as a “generational talent” off the tee who thrives under pressure.
Conclusion
In a dynamic and competitive sport like golf, the emergence of new talent and the resurgence of seasoned players keep the game exciting and unpredictable. These twelve golfers have shown remarkable promise and resilience, positioning themselves as key figures in the 2025 season and beyond. As they continue to challenge benchmarks and captivate audiences globally, the future of golf looks brighter than ever, filled with potential for thrilling tournaments and memorable moments.
