Who wins in 2024, bold predictions for 2025 and beyond

Check out our writers and editors for their unfiltered opinions on the hottest topics in the sport every week, and join the conversation by tweeting us at @golf_com. This week, we're taking the wraps off the 2024 season and making bold predictions for 2025 and beyond.

In 2024, we saw unpredictable comebacks, crazy winning streaks, and some stars finally cashing in after a long, big drought. But who or what wins in 2024?

Sean Zak, Senior Writer (@Sean_Zak): I tried so hard to find another answer, but there was no other answer. Who wins in 2024? The man who wins it all. Scott Scheffler. In my opinion, this was the greatest season since Tiger Woods in 2000 and we will definitely remember Scheffler's 2024 as the best player of all time…as long as he doesn't go on to do greater things.

Josh Sens, Senior Writer (@JoshSens): if we persist World Health Organizationundoubtedly Scheffler. superior What Up front, I want to talk about recreational golf. Participation has been achieved. More women and children were playing. As the Tour/LIV divide continues and television ratings decline, this year more than ever has underscored the feeling that the best part of golf isn't the professional game. This is a game most of us play.

Josh Berhow, Managing Editor (@Josh_Berhow): Both are good. Can't disagree with Scheffler, who somehow had a better season on the LPGA Tour than Nelly Korda. Any golfer in a populated area can witness the continued rise of recreational golf, as the battle for last-minute tee times is as real as ever.

So, if Scheffler wins this year, who would you award the silver and bronze medals to for their achievements in 2024?

Zack: Nelly Korda took the silver medal, having been as good as Scheffler for much of the year. The bronze medal went to Bryson DeChambeau, who helped produce his best finish of the year. (With due respect, of course, to Lydia Ko and Xander Schauffele.)

Sens: I would put Koda on the bronze medal podium with Coda (who ended her drought and punched her ticket to the Hall of Fame) and give the silver to Schauffele, who finally won a The Grand Slam shook off the derision and then won the title a second time for good measure. That's a rare thing. Let's not forget that one small change in his swing preceded his big break. It should be interesting to see what he does next.

bellhau: I'd love to give the silver to Nelly and the bronze to Xander, but Sean has a point – it's hard to argue with what Bryson has done over the past year. Not only won the U.S. Open, but completely changed the narrative around him, won back fans and became one of the most popular golfers on the planet. That said, here's why I'm leaning toward Xander taking the bronze: Would Scottie or Bryson have a better time with his season? It's all about the Grand Slams, and Xander won two of them.

Xander, Amy Yang and Ayaka Furue won their first Grand Slam titles in 2024.

Zack: Jeeno Thitikul has done it (maybe twice!) in the women's division. For men, I'm going to tip my hat to Viktor Hovland, he's going to be back on top.

Sens: Charley Hull celebrates by lighting up a cigar after winning the Royal Porthcawl race. On the men's side, it would have to be Ludvig Aberg, although in his case it would be unfair to say the last. His career is still too young.

bellhow: Sam Burns has won five times on Tour but had none last year, although he did have eight top-10s. He does almost everything well and is consistent enough to always give himself a chance. I think he'll take the next step and get a big win in 2025. For women, it’s Zhang Qiang. In 2023, she had three top-10s in majors, but by 2024, she had none. victory.

And the players who will break out in 2025 are…

Zack: Thomas Detry. Much of the summer of 2024 has been filled with great golf. It seems that he is about to become the top 30 player in the world.

Sens: Michael Thorbjornsson. Just graduated from Stanford University. A brilliant amateur career. Top graduates from PGA Tour universities. Has all the qualities of a star.

bellhau: Max Glaesemann. Won three runner-up finishes as a freshman last year. One of the best putters on tour. More good things are coming.

What’s your boldest prediction for next year?

Zack: LIV golfers win more major championships than non-LIV golfers. If you want me to be bolder, the LIV Slam happened. All four started with Jon Rahm at the Masters. My colleague James Colgan calls it Llam.

Sens: Rory McIlroy exorcises demons to win the Masters — and the career Grand Slam.

bellhau: Nelly Korda's 2025 will be better than her 2024.

Enough about professional golf, so what are your golf resolutions for 2025?

Zack:Break 75.

Sens: Saw it with my own eyes when Zach broke 75.

bellhau: Lower barriers. (Duh.) Finally creating that long awaited Ryder Cup style golf buddy trip I’ve been meaning to organize.