The 2025 season delivered a wide range of moments that shaped college and amateur golf across multiple levels of the game. From historic championship wins to breakthrough performances and unforgettable individual feats, the year offered several defining chapters for the sport’s next generation.
Mason Howell’s Breakthrough Year
Few players left a bigger mark on amateur golf in 2025 than Mason Howell. His rise began with medalist honors at a U.S. Open qualifier, earning his first major championship appearance. He followed that with medalist honors at the U.S. Junior Amateur before navigating a playoff just to reach match play at the U.S. Amateur.
From there, Howell went on to win the Havemeyer Trophy at The Olympic Club, claiming the most prestigious amateur title in the game. He later represented the United States at the Walker Cup, finishing with a 2 and 1 record in match play.
Northwestern’s Historic NCAA Championship
The NCAA Women’s Golf Championship delivered one of the most significant results in recent history. Northwestern defeated top seeded Stanford in the championship match at Omni La Costa, securing the program’s first national title.
The upset highlighted the volatility of match play and marked a defining moment for Northwestern, as well as a reminder that postseason formats can reshape expectations at the highest level of college golf.
Walker Cup at Cypress Point
The Walker Cup at Cypress Point provided one of the most memorable amateur team competitions of the year. Hosted at one of the most renowned venues in golf, the matches drew strong crowds and showcased elite amateur talent from the United States and Great Britain and Ireland.
The setting, atmosphere, and level of play combined to make the week a standout event for both players and fans.
Megha Ganne Claims U.S. Women’s Amateur Title
Megha Ganne captured the U.S. Women’s Amateur title at Bandon Dunes with a commanding performance throughout the week. Her victory represented the biggest individual achievement of her amateur career and came on one of the game’s most demanding stages.
Ganne’s consistency and control across the championship earned her the title after a dominant showing in Oregon.
Luke Clanton’s Amateur to Professional Transition
Luke Clanton spent the early portion of 2025 competing as an amateur before earning his PGA Tour card through his performances. During that stretch, he also dominated at the collegiate level, winning the Ben Hogan Award and contending for the Fred Haskins Award.
By season’s end, Clanton had transitioned fully into the professional ranks, positioning himself for continued success at the PGA Tour level.
Lottie Woad’s Year of Consistency
Lottie Woad maintained a steady presence near the top of leaderboards throughout 2025. She won the Women’s Irish Open as an amateur and finished third at the Amundi Evian Championship, results that secured her LPGA Tour card through the newly introduced LEAP program.
Woad turned professional shortly after and followed with a victory at the Women’s Scottish Open, capping a year defined by sustained high level performance.
LPGA LEAP Program Debuts
The LPGA’s LEAP program made its debut in 2025, creating a structured pathway from amateur and collegiate golf to the LPGA Tour. Woad became the first player to earn her card through the system, validating the program’s design and impact.
The pathway is expected to play a growing role in future transitions for elite amateur players.
Division II History at the Professional Level
Drew Zielinski of Lee University made Division II history by winning the Golfweek Fripp Island to Bermuda Invitational, earning an exemption into a PGA Tour event. He later competed in the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, where he finished tied for 15th in birdies made and narrowly missed the cut.
The achievement marked a rare crossover moment for Division II golf on the professional stage.
Heroism Off the Course
Two golfers from Purdue Fort Wayne were involved in a life saving rescue after jumping into icy water to help save a man from drowning. The act stood out as one of the most powerful moments of the year, extending beyond competition and highlighting character within the sport.
Two Aces on the Same Hole
Neil Phillips produced one of the most unusual feats of the season by recording two hole in ones on the same hole in a single day. He aced the 182 yard hole during the morning shotgun start and returned later in the day to ace the same hole again with a different club.
Carla Bernat Escuder Makes History at Augusta
Carla Bernat Escuder added her name to the history of Augusta National by winning the Augusta National Women’s Amateur. She became the first woman from Spain to claim the title, joining a lineage of Spanish champions who have found success on the iconic grounds.
Source:
Golfweek