Now On The Tee: How Youth Is Driving Professional Golf Forward

Ludvig Åberg playing in the Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines

Brian Smith, Owner B.A. Golf Instruction

March 1, 2025

With the distracting press surrounding professional golf the past few years, whether it’s the ongoing saga between PGA Tour and LIV Golf or the uncertainty of the seemingly impending merger of those two entities, it’s important to take a step back and appreciate the incredible amount of young talent in professional golf.  Beyond the politics and off-course drama, professional golf has never been in a better place in terms of the number of players coming to the tour with the skills and abilities to compete and win.  Sure, some naysayers are bored with the fact that big names are not constantly at the top of the leaderboard, that is not how the evolution of the game takes place.  The influx of young players emerging from The Korn Ferry Tour, PGA Tour University, and the DP World Tour, as well as other professional tours, has brought an incredible depth to the game. The quality of golf each week is at an all-time high, and new names continue to flood leaderboards.

While LIV Golf boasts a roster filled with superstars, seasoned veterans, and exciting young talent, the PGA Tour has witnessed an incredible surge of fresh faces appearing on leaderboards, winning tournaments and bringing a high level of competitiveness.  Ludvig Åberg, Nick Dunlap, and other young phenoms have wasted no time making their mark, winning early in their careers and proving they belong amongst the best. Åberg’s immediate success, including his most recent win at the Genesis Invitational, after transitioning from college to the professional ranks, coupled with Dunlap’s historic win as an amateur last season, has solidified the notion that young players today are more prepared than ever. 

The future of the game is even more promising when looking at the current crop of amateurs. Luke Clanton, among others, appears destined for professional greatness, showcasing the skills and composure needed to transition seamlessly to the next level. The consistent, high quality play of young golfers at elite amateur and collegiate levels further emphasizes the game is in a great place. This generation has grown up with access to advanced analytics, elite coaching, and a more professionalized development structure, giving them a head start before they even reach professional ranks.

Of course, alongside the youth movement, the superstars of professional golf continue to shine. Nelly Korda’s dominance on the LPGA Tour in 2024 is nothing short of remarkable, consistently proving herself as the best in the world and elevating women’s golf with every tournament she plays. On the men’s side, Scottie Scheffler has emerged as the gold standard, blending unmatched consistency with an all-around game that makes him the player to beat week in and week out. Their performances provide the sport with the star power needed to captivate fans while the next wave of contenders continues to rise and win.

With golf’s global presence expanding and new stars breaking through at an unprecedented rate, the sport is in an undeniably strong position. While debates over LIV Golf and the PGA Tour’s future will continue, the on-course talent has never been this extensive. From teenage amateurs proving they can compete with the best, to young professionals winning in their first few starts, the next generation of golf is already here and they’re making their presence felt. As the legends of today continue to thrive and new faces emerge, one thing is clear, professional golf is in great hands.