Athletes Facing First Victory Struggles as 2025 Season's deadline approaches, featuring nine high-profile individuals yet to taste success
Several high-profile golfers are still searching for their first win of the 2025 PGA Tour season, despite multiple close calls. Among them are Tommy Fleetwood, Nelly Korda, Collin Morikawa, and Hannah Green.
Tommy Fleetwood has had a consistent season, missing only one cut in 17 starts and being outside the top-25 on just three occasions. However, his elusive first win remains just out of reach. Fleetwood has come close at key events like the FedEx St. Jude Championship and Travelers Championship, but has not yet sealed the deal.
Nelly Korda, a prominent player, has had two runner-up finishes and three more top-10s, but still finds herself without a victory in more than a dozen appearances this year. Similarly, Collin Morikawa and Hannah Green are also among the big names still seeking their breakthrough victory in 2025.
Meanwhile, other notable golfers are enjoying successful seasons. Jeeno Thitikul has won a title in the women's game in 2025 and has had several opportunities to add to her tally. Jon Rahm has been consistently finishing in the top 10 in the LIV Golf League this season, but has not won the Individual Championship yet. Joaquin Niemann has won five worldwide titles since January 1, 2025.
On the other hand, Xander Schauffele, who won two Majors in 2024, has struggled with a rib injury in 2025 and has only managed three top-10s all season. Scottie Scheffler, the Men's World No.1, has won four titles since the start of 2025, including two Majors. Rory McIlroy has three titles this year, including a Green Jacket at The Masters, completing the career Grand Slam.
In the LPGA Tour, Lydia Ko and Lottie Woad have accomplished something special since January 1, 2025. Lilia Vu, who won her fifth LPGA Tour title at the Meijer LPGA Classic in 2024, has struggled in 2025, missing seven cuts and having her best finish as T9th. Ruoning Yin won three LPGA Tour titles in 2024, including her maiden Major title at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship. She finished T2nd at the Chevron Championship in 2025, but lost in a five-way sudden-death playoff. Lydia Ko won the AIG Women's Open in 2024, but Lilia Vu came close to winning it in 2025 before missing out.
As the season progresses, the pressure mounts for players like Tommy Fleetwood, Nelly Korda, Collin Morikawa, and Hannah Green to secure their first win. Their continued close calls serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of golf, where even the best players can find themselves just short of victory.
[1] PGA Tour Official Website - 2025 Season Standings [2] Golf Digest - 2025 PGA Tour Season: Who's Hot and Who's Not [4] ESPN - Tommy Fleetwood's Search for His First Win Continues
Despite Tommy Fleetwood's consistent performance during the 2025 PGA Tour season, he has yet to secure a victory, with his closest attempts coming at the FedEx St. Jude Championship and Travelers Championship. Similarly, Nelly Korda, Collin Morikawa, and Hannah Green are also still seeking their breakthrough win this year. [4] [PGA Tour Official Website - 2025 Season Standings] [Golf Digest - 2025 PGA Tour Season: Who's Hot and Who's Not]
