John Parry of England poses with his wife and caddie alongside the trophy following victory on the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open 2025 (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
"The Starter" recaps the week gone by in golf. PGA Professional Brendon Elliott, a three-decade industry veteran, provides his insights for RG. In this installment, Elliott breaks down what's to come in 2025 on the DP World and LPGA Tours.
2025 DP World Tour: A Thrilling Season Ahead
The 2025 DP World Tour is designed around seven distinct swings, each offering players various opportunities to accumulate points throughout the season. The schedule kicked off in late November of this year with the Opening Swing, which featured five events held throughout picturesque Australia and South Africa. The last of the five events concluded the Sunday before Christmas week, with Englishman John Parry winning the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open at Mont Choisy Le Golf in Grand Baie, Mauritius. Parry's win, along with a runner-up the week before at the Alfred Dunhill Championship and a tie for eighth at the year's opening event, the BMW Australian PGA Championship, has cemented him firmly in the top spot of the Race to Dubi points race...but it's early still, with 37 events to go.
In January, the tour transitions to the International Swing, which takes players to the vibrant Middle East. The swing has eight distinct events, with three in the UAE, followed by stops in Bahrain, Qatar, Kenya, and two in South Africa to wrap things up in early March.
From March through late April, the Asian Swing spotlights events in Singapore, India, and China. The year's first major, The Masters, also falls within this swing. Following the Asian Swing, the European Swing showcases some of golf's most revered competitions from May through early July, including iconic events like The PGA Championship and the U.S. Open.
As the season progresses, the Closing Swing combines European and American tournaments and the season's final major, the Open Championship, contested in 2025 at Royal Portrush. This sets the stage for the Back 9, the last leg before the playoffs. This segment highlights celebrated events such as the Betfred British Masters and the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, bringing together a thrilling array of golf experiences.
The season culminates in the high-stakes playoffs, featuring the Abu Dhabi Championship and the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai. This final stretch promises an electrifying conclusion as players vie for championship honors and significant points in the Race to Dubi title.
Statistically Speaking: Who Dominated in Key Statistical Areas in 2024, and Can They Continue in 2025?
Looking back at the 2024 season, several DP World Tour stars shined in key statistical areas. Adrian Otaegui emerged as the leader in driving accuracy for the second straight season, boasting an impressive 69.44% accuracy rate. Rory McIlroy dominated in several categories, most notably in scoring, with an impressive 68.50 shots per round, winning his third straight Harry Vardon Trophy. Rory was also a monster off the tee, leading the driving distance category with a mind-blowing average of 328.71 yards off the tee.
In the greens in the regulation category, Tommy Fleetwood took the top spot, hitting 74.51% of his greens, underscoring his exceptional iron play, which garnered him a second spot in this category in 2023 and a fourth ranking in 2022.
Fan favorite Jon Rahm led the way in 2024 in total strokes gained, strokes gained off the tee, strokes gained around the green, and scrambling with an impressive 67.44% up-and-down rate, showing why he remains one of the best players in the world despite his move to LIV. On the greens, England's Harry Hall led the way with 1.69 putts per green in regulation, followed closely by McIlroy, Thomas Detry, Shane Lowry, Thriston Lawrence, Min Woo Lee, and Alex Noren, who were all at 1.72 putts per green in regulation.
As we move deeper into the 2025 season, a key question will be whether the top-performing players from 2024 can maintain their dominance. Golf's ever-evolving nature requires players to adapt, especially as emerging talents aim to leave their mark and climb to the top of key statistical categories such as putting and scrambling, which are crucial for securing titles.
The 2025 DP World Tour season promises an exciting variety of venues and events, providing a platform for players from around the globe to showcase their talents. The competition between seasoned veterans like Rory, Rahm, and Fleetwood and rising stars such as Jesper Svensson, the 2024 Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year, will undoubtedly create intriguing storylines in the new year.
2025 LPGA Tour Celebrates 75 Years
As the LPGA Tour celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2025, fans can anticipate a season filled with storylines that will add to the rich history of the longest-running professional women's sports organization in the world. This landmark year promises to honor the tour's legacy while elevating the game to new heights through a diverse lineup of events and initiatives.
2025 Schedule
The 2025 LPGA Tour schedule features 35 tournaments, culminating in the prestigious CME Group Tour Championship in November. This season will kick off on January 30th with the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at the beautiful Lake Nona Golf & Country Club. This event brings together champions from the 2024 LPGA TOUR season and stars from sports and entertainment. NBA star Blake Griffin, Pro Football Hall of Famers Charles Woodson and Marcus Allen, World Series champs Dexter Fowler and John Smoltz, and other notable sports figures join stars of entertainment such as Larry the Cable Guy, Alfonso Ribeiro, and Brian Baumgartner. This kick-off event exemplifies the camaraderie and competitive spirit that defines both the LPGA and the game in general.
One of the highlights of the 2025 season will be the continued emphasis on inclusivity and showcasing emerging global talents. The tour has increased the number of international events, allowing players from various backgrounds to compete at the highest level. Notable stops will include tournaments in Asia and Europe, emphasizing the LPGA's global reach and commitment to growing the women's game internationally.
History to Be Made in 2025 With Record $131 Million Plus Up for Grabs
As the calendar turns to 2025, players will vie for significant titles and hefty prize purses. This season will mark the largest total season prize fund in the Tour's 75-year history, at more than $131 million. This marks an increase of over $62 million in four short years and an incredible 90% bump from 2021's total prize purse, underscoring the Association's continued growth and success.
Players To Watch
Among the players to watch in 2025 will be Nelly Korda and Lydia Ko, who have had remarkable seasons leading up to this year. Korda, the reigning world No. 1, will look to assert her dominance, while Ko aims to chase her down from her perch at the top. Rising stars like Mao Saigo, the 2024 Rookie of the Year, are set to make their mark as the next generation of stars in women's golf.
In celebration of its 75th anniversary, the LPGA Tour will also implement special initiatives and events aimed at engaging fans and promoting the league's history. From commemorative merchandise to social media campaigns highlighting legendary players, the tour is poised to create an unforgettable year.
Brendon Elliott, a distinguished PGA Professional, is best known for his dedication to the growth and development of junior golf. With nearly three decades of experience, Elliott has been recognized multiple times as one of the best instructors, both regionally and nationally.
Elliott's crowning achievement was being named the 2017 PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award Winner, a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication. He is the founder of Little Linksters, an award-winning youth golf academy and nonprofit that works with kids of all abilities to help them develop a passion for golf. His innovative teaching methods and love for the game have made significant impacts on students and the broader golfing community.
Additionally, Brendon, a Golf Writers Association of America member, has become a renowned freelance golf writer, further solidifying his position as a top professional in the industry.
