We have had a look at how Irish Golf has led the way in terms of gender equality and sustainability over the last couple of days, and today, we turn the lens on the element that drives the most significant level of interest from within and beyond the game: how our leading golfers perform on the world stage.
2025 was a golden year for performance. From Rory McIlroy’s historic Grand Slam to emerging professionals making breakthroughs across the globe, Ireland delivered one of its strongest years ever in elite golf.
Rory McIlroy: A Grand Slam for the Ages
There are sporting achievements, and then there are legacies. McIlroy’s victory at Augusta, completing the career Grand Slam with a rollercoaster ride that was pure ‘Rory’, places him among the greatest to ever play the game, becoming only the sixth golfer in history to achieve the feat.
His year did not end there.
Won The Players Championship and the DP World Tour Race to Dubai for a seventh time.
He won the Amgen Irish Open at the K Club in front of a gallery on the 18th tee, with putts that sent the crowd wild to earn a playoff and then to win it.
He played a key role in helping Europe to back-to-back Ryder Cup victories in the cauldron of Bethpage Black.
We have been fortunate in the current generation of players to have Padraig Harrington and Paul McGinley, who both spoke at a special gathering in the US Ambassador’s Residence last week, marking the importance of the US-Irish golf relationship; and to have had Darren Clarke as well winning far more than a share of Majors that any country outside of the US could dream about.
But Rory McIlroy is at another level altogether, and 2025 was the year in which he delivered.
Shane Lowry’s Ryder Cup
Offally’s favourite son needed to sink his last putt on the 18th green of his match with Russell Henley amidst the baying crowds of New York at the Ryder Cup. Was it ever in doubt?
He spoke emotionally afterwards about the importance of the event and how playing his part was the greatest achievement of his career.
Tom McKibbin’s Breakthrough
Tom McKibbin’s defection to LIV Golf set him back in terms of profile and affection but his triumph back on the main event tours at the Hong Kong Open secured his places at both the Masters and The Open in 2026, and positioned him as the next major Irish contender.
A Surge of Young Professionals
The Golf Ireland Professional Scheme supported nine players this year through funding, coaching, and access to the National Academy and Sport Ireland Institute.
Among the highlights of their performance on the world stage were:
Sara Byrne, Anna Foster and Annabel Wilson earning Ladies European Tour cards
Canice Screene securing status from Q-School
Lauren Walsh finishing third at the Wistron Open and breaking into the LET top ten
Liam Nolan progressing from no Challenge Tour status to a full category
The scheme remains flexible, with players such as Áine Donegan graduating into the professional ranks and Beth Coulter expected to follow in 2026.
Disability Golf: Strength, Success and Growth
Brendan Lawlor added a second G4D Open title, while Irish athletes medalled at European events, South African events and national disability championships. Golf Ireland invested in travel bursaries, coaching grants and a new Golf4All Capital Grant, helping 11 clubs improve accessibility.
Amateur Success Across Europe
Ireland’s record at amateur level was equally impressive.
Senior women and men won all three Home Internationals.
Ireland won gold at the European Senior Men’s Team Championship.
Bronze followed at the European Girls’ Team Championship.
GB&I won the Vagliano Trophy for the first time since 2005, with strong Irish representation.
A record 16 Irish players competed at the KPMG Women’s Irish Open.
From Róisín Scanlon’s Helen Holm victory to Jessica Ross’s historic European Women’s Mid-Amateur title, the talent pipeline is flourishing.
The Strength of the Inter-Club Scene
Golf Ireland’s Inter-Club competitions continue to be one of the largest participation models in Irish sport, involving 25,000 golfers across 4,654 teams. Douglas became the first club since 1979 to win both the Men’s and Women’s Senior Cups in the same year — an extraordinary achievement.
The Road Ahead
With the Walker Cup, Arnold Palmer Cup, Home Internationals, European Ladies’ Team Championship and the Ryder Cup all coming to Ireland between 2026 and 2027, Irish golfers are entering a generational opportunity.
If 2025 was the year that reaffirmed Irish excellence, the next two years may define a new era.
Further Reading for Sport for Business members:
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