We’re restarting the PGA Tour season — here’s why | Monday Finish

The PGA Tour season is restarting in 2025 with excitement building around the return of key players like Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, and Rory McIlroy. After a period of notable absences due to injuries, the golf world eagerly awaits their comeback. Scheffler’s hand injury, suffered while making ravioli, and Schauffele’s rib injury have kept them sidelined, while McIlroy hasn’t played in the U.S. since the 2023 Tour Championship.

Alongside these top players, others like Collin Morikawa, Ludvig Åberg, and Viktor Hovland have also faced struggles, with some battling illness and injuries. Meanwhile, Jordan Spieth’s absence since the FedEx Cup playoffs and Tiger Woods’ lack of appearances since the 2021 Open Championship have added to the uncertainty of the Tour’s early season.

The emergence of alternative golf formats like LIV Golf and TGL has created a more fragmented landscape for fans. With stars like Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson missing from PGA events, and some fans flocking to YouTube Golf, it’s harder than ever to focus on traditional tournaments. However, the growing interest in these alternative platforms is reaching new audiences, bringing both challenges and opportunities for the PGA.

Now, the PGA Tour is gearing up for a fresh start at Pebble Beach, signaling a return to the heart of the season. Top players, including Scheffler, McIlroy, and Spieth, will make their 2025 debuts, alongside others like Morikawa and Åberg. This event promises to reignite excitement with competitive play on one of the most prestigious courses in the world.

Looking ahead, the PGA Tour season will see thrilling events from Pebble Beach to the Phoenix Open, Genesis Invitational, and Players Championship. With fewer football games on weekends, golf is primed to take center stage. This stretch represents the core of the PGA Tour season, with the best players vying for top honors before the major tournaments later in the year.