The global golfing world in 2025 was defined by historic team achievements, stunning individual breakthroughs, sustained dominance, and one profoundly felt absence. The Khaleej Times Golf Awards, Part II, captures these narratives that captivated fans and shaped the sport’s landscape.
Team Europe’s Ryder Cup victory on American soil stands as the year’s defining collective achievement. Under Captain Luke Donald’s strategic leadership, the squad secured a nail-biting 15–13 victory, marking their first away win since 2012’s Medinah miracle. The contest reached fever pitch during Sunday singles when a surging Team USA nearly overturned Europe’s advantage, creating a finale worthy of golf’s premier team event. This triumph resonated beyond golf, earning Team Europe the BBC Sports Personality Team of the Year award, with speculation now mounting about Donald’s captaincy future for the 2027 contest at Adare Manor.
Individual brilliance emerged through J.J. Spaun’s spectacular US Open victory at Oakmont. The 35-year-old American’s breakthrough included one of the most dramatic finishes in major championship history—a 64-foot birdie putt on the 18th green to clinch victory by a single stroke. This capped a remarkable comeback after a disastrous front-nine 40 in the final round, demonstrating extraordinary mental fortitude. Spaun’s season also featured a runner-up finish at The Players Championship, propelling him from 112th to 6th in the world rankings and securing his Ryder Cup debut.
Scottie Scheffler continued his unprecedented reign atop men’s golf, maintaining the world No. 1 ranking with a dominance rarely seen in modern eras. His 2025 campaign featured six victories including dual major championships at the PGA Championship and The Open. Scheffler’s statistical lead became historically significant—his points gap over second-ranked Rory McIlroy approximately equaled the difference between McIlroy and the world’s 59th-ranked player. His consistent excellence, unconventional swing, and mental fortitude have created a benchmark that challengers struggle to match.
The year’s most somber narrative was Tiger Woods’ complete competitive absence due to a torn Achilles tendon and subsequent back surgery. As the legend turned 50 on December 30, questions mounted about his competitive future. While remaining active as a tournament host, course designer, and global ambassador, his physical capacity for tournament golf remains uncertain. The sport collectively hopes for another chapter from its most transformative figure, whether through PGA Tour Champions appearances or continued influence beyond competition.