2025 was a year of losses for the world of golf. This year, the sport lost not only tournament winners but also many important figures who contributed to the development, spread, and future of golf.
One of the most prominent figures among them was Judy Bell, who passed away in November. As the first female president of the US Golf Association (USGA), Bell made a significant contribution to making golf more accessible to young people, people with disabilities, and underrepresented groups. More than $65 million was directed to development programs through her initiatives.
Throughout the year, the golf world also said goodbye to other important figures representing different generations and fields. Names like Mary Bryan, a pioneer of televised golf, and John Feinstein, a legend of golf journalism, played a crucial role in popularizing the game.
Coach and teacher David Pelz changed the view of the short game, while Japanese master Katsuhiro Miura formed a new understanding of quality in golf equipment. Golfers like Peter McEvoy, Jay Sigel, Fuzzy Zoeller, and Masashi "Cambo" Ozaki, who shone at the professional and amateur levels, left an indelible mark on the history of the sport.
Together, these names embody the multifaceted essence of golf: competition, education, management, creativity, and social value.
These figures lost to golf in 2025 are a reminder that it is not only titles that keep the game alive, but also the people who dedicate their lives to making it better.
