The majors are always the standouts of the golfing calendar, 2025 is no exception. Well, it is a Ryder Cup year too and it’s going to be a fiery one! Here's your guide to the key dates, venues, and defending champions to mark on your calendar.
The Masters Tournament
The ceremonial start of the golf season for many, the Masters is the only major that is held in a fixed spot. Augusta National never ceases to amaze with its vibrant colours and impossible perfection.
● Dates: April 10–13, 2025
● Location: Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia
● Course: Par 72, renowned for its immaculate fairways and the iconic Amen Corner
● Defending Champion: Scottie Scheffler, who secured his victory in 2024 with a stellar performance, reaffirming his status as one of the game's elite.
PGA Championship
Quail Hollow is the host course this year and this is a course that Rory McIlroy can claim to be an expert in, he’s won here four times including in 2024. Could this be the event that allows him to break his major championship duck?
● Dates: May 15–18, 2025
● Location: Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, North Carolina
● Course: Par 71, featuring the challenging "Green Mile" finishing holes
● Defending Champion: Xander Schauffele, who clinched his first major title in 2024 at Valhalla Golf Club with a record-breaking 21-under-par performance.
U.S. Open
Speaking of Rory, who could forget his heartbreak in the US Open last year? As the event returns to the incredible Oakmont, we are in for a treat at one of the classic venues. Dustin Johnson won here in 2016, could this be his big return to major glory?
● Dates: June 12–15, 2025
● Location: Oakmont Country Club, Oakmont, Pennsylvania
● Course: Par 70, known for its lightning-fast greens and deep bunkers
● Defending Champion: Bryson DeChambeau, who triumphed in 2024 at Pinehurst No. 2, securing his second U.S. Open title with a disciplined final round.
The Open Championship
Proper golf. This year’s Open Championship returns to Northern Ireland and the glorious Royal Portrush. Shane Lowry delighted the local galleries as he won here in 2019.
● Dates: July 17–20, 2025
● Location: Royal Portrush Golf Club, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
● Course: Par 71, offering a classic links experience with unpredictable coastal winds
● Defending Champion: Xander Schauffele, who added a second major to his 2024 accolades by winning at Royal Troon, demonstrating exceptional skill on the back nine.
Ryder Cup
This one is going to be rowdy! The last Ryder Cup on US soil was and most expect it to get even more heated this time round. Can Team Europe take the beautiful gold trophy home with them?
● Dates: September 26–28, 2025
● Location: Bethpage Black Course, Farmingdale, New York
● Course: Par 71, infamous for its demanding layout and the warning sign: "The Black Course is an extremely difficult course which we recommend only for highly skilled golfers."
● Overview: This biennial team event pits the best golfers from the United States against their European counterparts, fostering intense competition and national pride.
Additional Notable Tournaments
The Players Championship
○ Dates: March 13–16, 2025
○ Location: TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
○ Course: Par 72, featuring the iconic island green on the 17th hole
○ Defending Champion: Scottie Scheffler, who showcased remarkable consistency to win in 2024, adding to his impressive list of victories.
Tour Championship
○ Dates: August 21–24, 2025
○ Location: East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, Georgia
○ Course: Par 70, serving as the finale for the PGA Tour season
○ Defending Champion: Scottie Scheffler, who capped off his extraordinary 2024 season with a victory here, securing his place atop the FedEx Cup standings.
When Does the Golf Season Start?
With the Sentry taking place in Hawaii, the professional golf season has already got going. Whilst most golfers in the UK will just spectate for a few more weeks, elite pro golf has begun. The European Tour, now known as the DP World Tour, follows a similar schedule, ensuring plenty of tournaments to enjoy.
Understanding the Four Major Golf Championships
The four major championships—The Masters, PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and The Open Championship—represent the zenith of professional golf. Each offers a unique challenge, from the azalea-lined fairways of Augusta to the rugged links of the UK.
Planning for 2025
With a calendar brimming with incredible tournaments, 2025 promises to be another memorable year for golf fans. Whether you aim to attend these events or follow the action from your sofa, the blend of historic venues, elite competition, and the quest for major titles will ensure an exhilarating season.
If you want to attend the Open and, better yet, do it in style, visit our website for package details. Even better still, if you want to experience the incredible host courses of the Open, we can help with that too. Find out more here.
