As the 2025 golf season teed off, Irish golfers across all levels—men, women, seniors, and juniors—made a strong statement both at home and abroad. From high-profile PGA Tour wins to standout junior performances, the start of the year reflected the depth and energy within Ireland’s golf community.
Here’s a look at how Team Green fared in January:
Men’s Professional Golf
Rory McIlroy – Victory at Pebble Beach
Rory McIlroy wasted no time getting into gear, clinching the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am with a commanding performance. Finishing at 21-under par and closing with a final-round 66, McIlroy picked up his 27th PGA Tour win and set the tone for what could be a standout season.
Shane Lowry – Runner-Up Finish and Rankings Surge
Shane Lowry also opened his year in style, finishing second behind McIlroy at Pebble Beach. His 19-under score earned him over $2 million, a move into the world’s top 20, and a spot inside the top 10 of the FedEx Cup standings.
Tom McKibbin – Impressing in Abu Dhabi
At just 21, Tom McKibbin continued to make waves on the international stage. Competing in the Hero Cup (formerly the Team Cup), he partnered with Tyrrell Hatton for a dominant 3&2 win on day one. His performance under pressure showed maturity and confidence well beyond his years.
Women’s Golf
KPMG Women’s Irish Open Honoured by the LET
There may not have been on-course action for Irish women in January, but the month still brought celebration. The 2024 KPMG Women’s Irish Open, held at Carton House, picked up “Tournament of the Year” and “Best Course Condition” at the Ladies European Tour’s Annual Awards. It’s a significant recognition of Ireland’s role in supporting and delivering top-tier women’s golf.
Senior Golf
While January was quiet in terms of senior tournaments, Ireland’s presence in the Legends Tour and senior amateur circuits remains strong. Preparations are well underway, with experienced players gearing up for a busy season. Keep an eye on Adrian Morrow and John Mitchell—both are expected to feature prominently this spring after impressive 2024 campaigns.
Junior Golf
Gavin Tiernan – Champion at Roganstown
The 2025 Irish Junior Open Elite Tour got underway at Roganstown Golf & Country Club, where Gavin Tiernan emerged as champion. Facing a competitive field, Tiernan’s win marks a positive start to the junior calendar and highlights the strength coming through the ranks.
A Big Year Ahead for Young Golfers
The Irish Junior Open Tour continues to offer elite competition for golfers aged 5 to 25. With a full schedule ahead, the platform is giving young players across Ireland the chance to develop, compete, and shine on a national stage.
Plenty More to Come
From top-tier wins to promising junior breakthroughs, January showed just how strong the foundation is across Irish golf. Every level—from grassroots to global tours—is moving forward with energy and intent. If this opening month is anything to go by, 2025 could be one of the most exciting years yet for golf in Ireland.
