Being a world-class amateur golfer doesn’t guarantee success in the professional ranks. Many amateurs have struggled after turning pro. However, there are a few rookies who have amazed everyone with their ability to compete at the highest level right from the start. Let’s take a look at some remarkable rookie seasons in men’s professional golf.
Ludvig Aberg, a Swedish golfer, turned professional in June 2023 and quickly gained full status on the PGA Tour. He made his debut at the Canadian Open, where he finished in a respectable tie for 25th place. In July, he impressed again with a tie for fourth at the John Deere Classic. Aberg then went on to win the European Masters and became the first player to be selected for the Ryder Cup without ever having played in a major. He is definitely a rising star.
Will Zalatoris, an American golfer, had a phenomenal first full season on the PGA Tour in 2021. He had several top-10 finishes, including a second-place finish at The Masters. Zalatoris was named rookie of the year for his outstanding performance.
Cameron Young, another PGA Tour rookie, had a great season in 2022. He made 18 cuts out of 25 tournaments and had impressive finishes, including two tied second-place finishes. Young ended the year as the rookie of the year, succeeding Zalatoris.
Thriston Lawrence, a South African golfer, had a breakthrough season on the DP World Tour in 2022. He secured two wins and had six top-ten finishes. Lawrence also made his major debut at The Open and finished inside the top 50. He was named rookie of the year for his remarkable achievements.
Scottie Scheffler, a PGA Tour rookie in 2020, didn’t win a tournament in his rookie season but had an impressive 13 top-25 finishes. He finished fourth at the US PGA Championship and ended the season in fifth place in the FedEx Cup standings.
Jon Rahm, a Spanish golfer, had a successful rookie season on the DP World Tour in 2017. Although he had already played on the PGA Tour, Rahm won the Irish Open and the DP World Tour Championship in his rookie year.
Xander Schauffele, a PGA Tour rookie in 2017, had a slow start but made a name for himself with a tie for fifth place at the US Open and a win at the Greenbrier Classic. He ended the season by winning the Tour Championship.
Jordan Spieth, a PGA Tour rookie in 2013, had an incredible season. He finished in the top 10 nine times and won his first PGA Tour event. Spieth went from having no PGA Tour status to playing in the Tour Championship and was a member of the Presidents Cup team.
Rickie Fowler, a PGA Tour rookie in 2010, had a solid first season with two runner-up finishes and seven top-10 finishes. Although he didn’t win a tournament, Fowler was named rookie of the year.
Matteo Manassero, an Italian golfer, had a promising start to his professional career. He became the youngest winner on the DP World Tour at the age of 17 and had several other notable achievements. However, he later struggled with his game.
Sergio Garcia, a Spanish golfer, had a remarkable rise in the world rankings in 1999. He won his first tournament at the Irish Open and had a strong performance at the Ryder Cup. Garcia’s most memorable moment was his miraculous shot from the base of a tree at the US PGA Championship.
Tiger Woods, the legendary golfer, had an incredible rookie season on the PGA Tour in 1996. He had several top finishes and won multiple tournaments, including the Tour Championship. Woods’ rookie season marked the beginning of his legendary career.