Golf was in the spotlight often in 2025 on the national and local level.
From Jim Knous’ win at the Inspirato Colorado Open to Rory McIlroy completing the career grand slam on the PGA Tour, let’s take a look at the memorable state and pro moments in golf.
Pro golf’s memorable moments
Rory McIlroy wins The Masters – This was the undisputed No. 1 moment in the world of golf. McIlroy completed the career grand slam with a roller coaster four days at Augusta National. He joined an exclusive club of Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen of players to win all four majors. The best moment? The CBS broadcast went silent after the winning putt and let the moment play out for everyone.
Scottie Scheffler is still the man – Scheffler won the PGA Championship and British Open Championship, and it’s not the top story of the year because of McIlroy. And Scheffler won both tournaments easily. He is the No. 1 player in the world and shows it every time he is on the course. He had six wins on the season and goes into the 2026 season with a chance to complete the career grand slam during the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills.
The Ryder Cup was a mess – This is just not about the play of the United States the first two days at Bethpage Black in September. It all started with the naming of Keegan Bradley as captain, which was a weird choice and put Bradley in a tough spot. He should have played on the team but didn’t want to pick himself. The behavior in the galleries was in the spotlight again as several times the fans crossed the line with European players. Finally, European dominated the Americans and got a road win.
TGL enters the world – The indoor golf league started by Woods and McIlroy made its debut to mixed fanfare. The idea was exciting and something for golf fans to watch on a Tuesday night. It also introduced a shot clock for golf. After good ratings early, it declined in popularity. Hopefully, the second season, which started Sunday, brings more steady excitement.
Tommy Fleetwood finally breaks through – The fifth spot could have gone several different ways (J.J. Spaun’s putt at Oakmont to win the U.S. Open; McIlroy’s win at The Players; or Jeeno Thitikul becoming the best LPGA player) but this spot goes to Fleetwood. He was the best player without a win on the PGA Tour. He came close at the Travelers Championship but lost to Bradley. He ended up winning the Tour Championship at the end of the season for his first win.
Colorado native Jim Knous hits a shot on Saturday during the third round of the Colorado Open at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club. (Troy Freeman/Colorado Open)
Colorado golf’s memorable moments
Jim Knous wins Colorado Open – Knous, who was born in Basalt, always wanted to win the Colorado Open. He had a habit of coming up a bit short, including in 2024 when he lost to fellow Colorado native Davis Bryant in a playoff. In 2025, Knous holed out for eagle on the fourth playoff hole to beat Sam Saunders at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club. He shot 22-under in the 72-hole event.
Wyndham Clark’s struggles – It was only two years ago the Denver native was the story on the PGA Tour after winning the U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club. But in 2025, Clark had tough moments on the course as well as off. After missing the cut at Oakmont Country Club, Clark damaged lockers and was suspended from playing at the club. The Valor Christian grad also threw a club at a sign during the PGA Championship a month before the locker room incident. Clark only had one top-five finish in 2025.
Jennifer Kupcho back in the winner’s circle – It was a long 35 months for the Jefferson Academy grad as that was how long it had been since the LPGA player took home a title. That changed in June as the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame inductee won the ShopRite Classic for her fourth win on the LPGA Tour. She birdied three of the final five holes to win the tournament.
The Broadmoor shines during the U.S. Senior Open – Padraig Harrington held off Stewart Cink to win the USGA title in Colorado Springs. It was another event that proved Colorado loves pro golf, as more than 100,000 fans attended the event.
New courses in Colorado – In October, Bella Ridge Golf Club opened in Johnstown, becoming the first new course in the state since RainDance National in Windsor in 2022. Also, Rodeo Dunes inched closer to opening as it hosted preview play with a grand opening to the public in 2026.
Honorable mention – CU Buffs men played in the NCAA Tournament for the second time in three years; Neal Shipley won the Korn Ferry tournament at TPC Colorado; Bryant had a top-five finish on DP World Tour; Colorado Christian came up just short of repeating as Division II national champs.
Quote of 2025
“What are we going to talk about next year?”
– McIlroy after winning The Masters and completing the career grand slam.
2025 CGA Player of Year winners
Men’s Player of the Year: Charlie Tucker
Men’s Mid-Amateur: Colin Prater
Men’s Senior: Richard Bradsby
Men’s Super-Senior: David Delich
Boys Junior: Ash Edwards
Women’s Player of the Year: Carolyn Fuller
Women’s Senior: Kris Franklin
Girls Junior: Ella Scott
2026 major venues
The Masters: April 9-12, Augusta National Golf Club
PGA Championship: May 14-17, Aronimink Golf Club (Newtown Square, Pa.)
U.S. Open: June 18-21, Shinnecock Hills Golf Club (Southampton, N.Y.)
Open Championship: July 16-19, Royal Birkdale Golf Club (Southport, England)
