Scottie Scheffler of the United States plays his shot from the ninth tee during the final round of the Hero World Challenge 2024 (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
"Friday Fore-cast" prepares you for golf's major tours heading into the weekend. PGA Professional Brendon Elliott, a three-decade industry veteran, provides his insights for RG. In this installment, Elliott looks at the year to come on the PGA TOUR.
Continuing Dominance: Scottie Scheffler
As we gear up for the 2025 PGA TOUR season, it's hard not to be excited about Scottie Scheffler. As the World #1 and the 2024 PGA TOUR Player of the Year, he's set himself apart as one of the most dominant players in quite some time. Scottie has set the bar high, redefining what greatness is in the modern game, and I can't help but feel like we're witnessing the beginning of an amazing era as he takes the torch from Tiger Woods.
It's fair to say that the golf world is eagerly anticipating Scottie Scheffler's performance at the 2025 Signature Events and Majors. Will he maintain his outstanding play and continue to dominate the leaderboards in the upcoming year? Watching Scottie showcase his exceptional talent and unwavering confidence as we transition from 2024 to the 2025 season will be exciting.
Spotlight on Rising Stars
The upcoming season presents a new opportunity for standout players from the 2024 season to further establish their status among the top names in the world of golf. Names like Sahith Theegala, Akshay Bhatia, Max Greyserman, and Matthieu Pavon have demonstrated their immense potential and delivered impressive performances throughout 2024, earning spots in prestigious tournaments in the new year, including THE PLAYERS and the Majors. Their participation highlights their relentless hard work and reflects the evolving competitive landscape of the PGA TOUR. I expect these players to continue proving why they deserve to be in the conversation about the best in the game, adding an exhilarating dimension to the upcoming season.
January Kick-Off: PGA TOUR’s First Four Events
Get ready for an exciting start to the 2025 PGA TOUR season this January as the action kicks off with four thrilling events: the Sentry Tournament of Champions, the Sony Open in Hawaii, The American Express, and the Farmers Insurance Open. These events are significant as players are eager to find their rhythm and seize early momentum as the march to the FedEx Cup finals begins. Strong performances this month could help position players in the standings and set the tone for their season ahead. Expect top names such as Scheffler, Morikawa, and Schauffele, as well as emerging talent like Robert MacIntyre and Aaron Rai, to all be vying for crucial FedExCup points, laying down a powerful foundation for a spectacular year.
The Tiger Factor
Love him or hate him, there is no denying that Tiger Woods remains a significant force in the world of golf, even after nearly 30 years in the spotlight. His recent performance at the PNC Championship alongside his son Charlie ignited fresh speculation about what might lie ahead for the Hall-of-Famer in 2025. The father-son duo captivated fans with their heartwarming displays of skill and camaraderie, reminding everyone of the magic Woods brings to the game.
As we look toward the 2025 season, questions linger about Tiger's competitive future. Will he return to the PGA TOUR and play a limited schedule? Each appearance from Woods generates tremendous excitement and unparalleled viewership, proving that he is still a "needle mover" in the sport. Tiger fans eagerly anticipate whether he'll compete in more Signature Events or Majors this year and, if so, how he will perform against the younger generation of stars.
Tiger's charisma and experience add incredible depth to the narrative of the upcoming season. His influence extends beyond just his play; it shapes the entire atmosphere of the events he enters. As fans, we hope to see him healthy and potentially contending again, as his presence still helps elevate the game to new heights. Whether he's challenging for titles or simply participating Woods' journey will be closely followed, enhancing the anticipation for what 2025 has in store both on and off the course.
Looking Forward
The 2025 PGA TOUR season will feature a mix of seasoned champions and emerging talent, promising an exciting year ahead. With established names like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy and ambitious newcomers like Jake Knapp, the season will indeed be filled with numerous dramatic moments. Whether it's a thrilling finish at a Signature Event or a breakthrough victory at a Major, fans can expect both the unexpected and top names to be firmly perched atop leaderboards.
As we approach the new year in golf, we can all acknowledge that the past few years have been tumultuous, marked by political challenges that have dominated the headlines in the professional game. However, the upcoming 2025 season offers a fresh start and new opportunities. One thing we can always rely on is that golf will provide compelling storylines featuring the best players in the world competing on iconic courses and showcasing their remarkable skills. This will always resonate with true fans. How the politics will play out is anyone's guess, and all we can do is hope for a resolution sooner rather than later. The game and the fans deserve that.
I will return on Monday for "The Starter " and examine the coming year on both the LPGA and DP World Tours. I'll also look at The Sentry, the kickoff to the PGA TOUR's new season.
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.
