The most important golf statistics of 2025

Check in every week for the unvarnished views of our writers and editors as they break down the hottest topics in the sport, and join the conversation by contacting us at @golf_com. This week, we discuss golf’s most important stats of the past 12 months, PGA Tour Q-School drama and more.

As we count down to the last days of 2025, let’s take a moment to reflect on the year that was. Who were the most important golf figures of 2025?

Jack Hirsh, Associate Equind editor (@jr_hirshey): Is it important? I think it should be New PGA Tour CEO Brian RolApp and new LPGA Commissioner CRAIG Kessler. Both have taken on legacy structures that badly need new ideas and a fresh perspective. We’re already hearing talk of major changes to the PGA Tour schedule as soon as 2027. Whether you like them or not, this tour is clearly looking for something that will put Liv’s golf problem to bed. With Kessler and the LPGA, a new TV show seems like it could be the spark to get a ride on this new veil of women’s sports around the world. There are more important names in the world of golf now, but none will be under more pressure to achieve their goals in 2026 than these two.

Zefyr Melton, Game Development Editor (@Zephyrmelton): Jack put it well, but I’ll go ahead and give Tiger Woods his say in force. The popularity of the sport continues to flow tiger – as evidenced by the piles of coverage when they post a video of the swipe. His competitive career may be behind him, but his influence on the sport remains limitless.

Josh Sens, senior author (@Joshsens): Good answers above. To them, I added Rory McIlroy to provide the most compelling entertainment throughout the year at the Masters and the Ryder Cup. And Tommy Fleetwood for the best news to hear. But that’s for Rooting interest rather than importance. Besides those people, other non-traditional golf figures come to mind, especially at a time when the game is becoming more flexible than its old boundaries. Caitlin Clark is into golf. LeBron James is going viral with every swing pose online. And even if I’d rather get a root canal than watch a bunch of “influencers” knock around, obviously people are interested, as we saw with the success of the Internet. Welcome to the future, for better or for worse.

And who – not mentioned above – is it possible that we are talking about this space a year from now as an important figure for 2026?

The hersh: I think it will be someone like Jon Rahm. His prominence in the game has seemed to diminish since his move to Liv, but he is still playing well and I think will start to make a big impact in the majors. He has not received one since 2023 kings.

Melton: How Brook Brooks Koepka? Speaking of Liv, he has long been attracted to wanting to face his fair share of Liv to return to the PGA Tour. Could 2026 be the year we see the LIV star step back from the tour? If so, BK may be the first domino to fall.

The feeling: Bryson. His influence shows no sign of abating.

Five players earned 2026 tour cards through the PGA Tour Q-School on Sunday at TPC Sawgrass. Which outcome – good or bad – stuck with you the most?

The hersh: It’s sad to see one of the TOUR’s greats, Camilo Villegas, come up one play short of maintaining full playing status on tour. He will still be around like a previous winner, but I could not be surprised if the chosen winners hang in the fringe situation and that is why the number of players who withdraw from 125 to 100 targets.

Melton: Alejandro Toosti is heading back on tour – and some gods are thanking him.

The feeling: The last ‘impressed at 18 was painful. But it was touching to see him sticking around to celebrate with his friend and countryman Marcelo Roozo. Personally, I would focus on spencer levin, who has been around the block and others just happen to have great ones today.

Speaking of the aforementioned card changes, the five cards from the Q school? Too little? And q-School is still an important part of the construction of the TOUR?

The hersh: We absolutely need Q-School, especially now that MOVILEM CS is gone. I think five is a good number, especially with the Korn Ferry Tour being reduced to 20 cards. I also like Hard Fivens instead of tires, because the playoff, as we found out this year, with the last PGA tour card of the season is very good. But I’d like to use this space to say we still need a Monday QS.

Melton: I would like to see Q-School give out even more cards. We always talk about “life-changing weeks” in Pro Golf, but at no tournament is that more true than the final round of Q-School. Its drama is unlike anything else in the game, and that makes for one of the coolest weeks of the year.

The feeling: Five feels good. And getting rid of the tires only adds to the excitement. There’s nothing like a sudden death sprinkle for a four-day stress test.

Our Josh Our Sense went on to write about the golfer who just broke the world record for most courses played in a year. What is your number? And if you could pick one course that you’ve already played for the rest of your life, what would it be?

The hersh: First, that level of golf linto-ness is unusual. Bravo! I have no idea what courses I have never played. About 20. I’m sure Zefyr has played an ungodly amount of courses over the past few years. If I had to choose one subject, it would probably be the lady of Dornoch. Golf links are ignored.

Melton: I wish I played half as much golf as my co-workers think I do. I only entered 40 cycles in 2025! As for most subjects, it can be in the list of 30 or more. If you’re not clubbing, variety is the name of the game. As for one course for the rest of my life? Give me a pasatiempo. The Elite Course. Elite vibe. Elite Logo.

The feeling: I can guess the year number. Maybe 50? That was a year in my 20s when I was waiting tables at night and I was making early muni shifts. As for one course, it’s a tough question. If there is no perfect answer: Cruden Bay. I don’t think I’ve ever had more fun on a course.