Golf’s Young Stars to Rising Stars in 2025
Every era of professional golf ushers in a new wave of young talent eager to leave their mark on the sport, and 2025 is no exception. As the game continues to evolve, the importance of distance, precision, and mental toughness has never been greater. Among the young stars making headlines, three names stand out as potential future contenders on golf’s biggest stages: Nick Dunlap, Karl Vilips, and Rasmus Hojgaard. Each of these young players has already shown flashes of brilliance, from winning tournaments to standing toe-to-toe with some of the world’s best. Be on the lookout for these three to become rising stars and household names in professional golf in 2025.
Nick Dunlap: Age 21 - World Number 35
Nick Dunlap made history in 2024 by becoming the first amateur to win on the PGA Tour since Phil Mickelson did it in 1991. He turned professional shortly after and picked up his first win as a professional at the Barracuda Championship in July 2024. With his win at the Barracuda, he became the first player in PGA Tour history to win as an amateur and a professional in the same season. His elite ball-striking, short-game creativity, and ability to perform under pressure are part of why he was named the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year for 2024. The University of Alabama alum continues to impress and shows poise beyond his years while competing against the world’s best. In seven events played so far in 2025, he’s cut six times and has one top-10 finish. Dunlap’s game and demeanor will make him a name consistently on the top of leaderboards and elevate him from young star to rising star.
Karl Vilips: Age 23 - World Number 106
Karl Vilips has been a name to watch since his junior golf days, and his transition to professional golf has been nothing short of impressive. The Stanford alum has built his reputation on elite approach play with his wedges, his distance off the tee, and his putting. The 23-year-old Australian made waves at high-level amateur and collegiate tournaments, proving he could handle the pressure of big moments, and he was able to get his first professional win at the Puerto Rico Open in March 2025 by shooting an astonishing 26-under par. As he continues to gain experience on the professional stage, his well-rounded game and competitive mindset will make him a serious contender at more prolific events very soon, elevating him from young star to rising star.
Rasmus Hojgaard: Age 23 - World Number 49
Rasmus Hojgaard has already made a name for himself as one of Europe’s most promising young golfers. The 23-year-old from Denmark has multiple wins on the DP World Tour and hopes to bring over his winning ways in his debut season on the PGA Tour in 2025. His powerful ball-striking and aggressive approach make him an exciting player to watch, and his game should easily transfer over to the PGA Tour. Hojgaard has already represented Denmark in the Olympics and was in heavy consideration to be a Captain’s Pick in the 2023 Ryder Cup for Team Europe. His brother, Nicolai Hojgaard, was chosen for the 2023 European Ryder Cup Team. The more experience and familiarity he gains in the U.S., the better he’ll become, and a PGA Tour win isn’t far off. Don’t be surprised to see his name on the 2025 European Ryder Cup roster as he takes the step from being just a young star into being a rising star in professional golf.
