Sorry, dear reader. It’s impossible to consume everything these days. In addition to reading your favorite print and virtual publications, there is also all that movement – oh, so much movement — this should be done on your YouTube, Instagram and TikTok login channels.
So you are most likely lost SOMETHING on our site this year. No sweat. We are here to help. Below, we’ve compiled some of our writers’ favorite pieces from 2025. You’ll find an in-depth profile on a broadcasting legend, a look inside a golf program in a Washington prison, a piece on the extraordinary character of a college golfer, the good (and bad) of a stint at Augusta National and much more.
Thanks for reading in 2025. See you next year!
20 of our favorite stories from 2025
The Only Masters Story Jim Nantz Won’t Tell, by James Colgan
Forty years after Jim Nantz’s first Masters, the voice of American sports faces the possibility – and inevitability – of time.
What is Scottie Scheffler really like? We asked his inner circle, by Dylan Dethier
‘He’s 99 percent creative genius’: Scottie Scheffler’s coach, caddy, chaplain and more tell the story of his greatness.
Why 1 unseen part of Rory McIlroy’s Masters party spoke to me, by Josh Schrock
Rory McIlroy’s post-Masters celebration had it all, but one unprecedented moment told a story that resonated with many.
What I learned playing 36 holes of the US Open in 36 hours – from Erin Hills to Oakmont by Sean Zak
I played this year’s US Open courses – Erin Hills and Oakmont – in the span of 36 hours and learned something special along the way.
At Cedar Creek Correctional Center in Washington, golf is offering a second chance. “I never thought I’d be playing golf, let alone in prison.”
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‘I know I’m crazy’: The world’s wildest golf museum defies belief, by Josh Sens
For nearly three decades, Bob Zokoe has compiled and cataloged what he believes to be the world’s largest collection of golf memorabilia.
A confusing pin, a DQ and an apology. The Downed Player Blames Only 1 Person, by Alan Bastable
At a national college championship earlier this month, an inexplicable hole location led to carnage, disqualification and ownership.
This Ryder Cup exudes New York. So is the watering hole in the street, by Michael Bamberger
At Susan’s, a brewpub near Bethpage State Park, patrons will keep an eye on the Ryder Cup this week — and a lot more, too.
At the US Women’s Open, an existential question. And 1 inspiring answer, from Nick Piastowski
At the US Women’s Open at Erin Hills, there is an existential question. And an inspiring response, courtesy of Scottish pro Gemma Dryburgh.
He embarrassed Rory McIlroy. Now this college star is facing consequences, by Alan Bastable
When a fan tweeted Rory McIlroy at the Players Championship this week, McIlroy took action. Here’s what happened next.
Worst part of Augusta National for a while, by James Colgan
I played Augusta National the Monday after the Masters. Here’s what I learned about golf and about myself.
Rachel Heck didn’t need pro golf. She Wanted Something More, by Josh Berhow
Three-time NCAA champion Rachel Heck was destined for stardom. But a year ago she realized that pro golf was not the life she wanted.
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A decade after Coul Links was proposed, the battle for the site near Royal Dornoch will be decided by the Scottish Government.
For Rory McIlroy’s supple right-hander, winning the Masters meant something extra, by Dylan Dethier
Rory McIlroy’s Masters win meant many things to many people – but it meant something extra to his caddy Harry Diamond.
John Harris’ last round told the story of his epic golf life, by Josh Berhow
John Harris, a special athlete and the last middleweight to win the American Amateur Championship, died on Wednesday at the age of 73.
Women make up nearly a third of recreational golfers in America, and at the Desert Classic, hundreds of them showed up to play — and party.
The golf ball brand that no one saw coming just made a statement, by Jack Hirsh
When Ben Griffin and his partner, Andrew Novak, won the Zurich Classic last week, they helped push Maxfli back into the professional golf spotlight.
How did Lydia Ko reach the mountain again? It Explains Everything, by Sean Zak
In just one year, Lydia Ko went from crying in hotel rooms to crying on the Olympic podium. But how? She explains it all.
He played his first round of golf – at Augusta National, by Jack Hirsh
On Monday, Augusta National invited 28 members of the media to play the course. For one of them, it was a particularly surreal round.
Tommy Fleetwood’s Tour Championship win showed us something his losses couldn’t, by Josh Schrock
Tommy Fleetwood’s mistakes revealed a lot about him. His victory in the Tour Championship on Sunday left us with a bigger message.
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MAIN PHOTO CREDITS: Top row, from left: Getty Images/illustration Emma Devine; Stephen Denton; Connor Federico. Middle row, from left: Nick Piastowski; Darren Riehl; Getty Images. Bottom row, from left: Darren Riehl; Getty Images; Chris McEnery.
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