The battle between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf doesn’t look like ending anytime soon after Brooks Koepka faced backlash last week with his comments about “getting real golfers on tour.” While there is hope that both tours will find a middle ground and come together again so fans can enjoy their favourite sport, it is exciting to see rising stars and underdogs emerging from both sides of the divide and making waves.
Many of these rising stars and underdogs have already upset the odds and won titles and tournaments not many people expected them to. Below we’ll look at the new talents making waves in the PGA and LIV.
Takumi Kanaya
Takumi Kanaya was Japan’s top money winner in 2024. The former world amateur No. 1 secured his PGA Tour card through Q-School. Kanaya has also tasted success on the Japan Tour and impressed in the 2024 Dubai Desert Classic. The 26-year-old has been tipped to make waves on the PGA Tour in 2025.
Tom McKibbin
Tom McKibbin is already widely regarded as the next big thing in Northern Ireland at just 22 years old. The Northern Irishman made headlines after he joined Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII team in LIV Golf for 2025. McKibbin earned his PGA Tour card for 2025 but forwebt potential opportunities for a major and Ryder cup to team up with LIV.
Matteo Manassero
Matteo Manassero was once regarded as one of the biggest teenage stars. However, the Italian’s career didn’t go as planned as he sank down the rankings. But now at 31, Manassero has staged a remarkable resurgence to win the 2024 Jonsson Workwear Open and secure his PGA Tour card for 2025.
Karl Vilips
The 22-year-old Karl Vilips bagged his PGA Tour card just four months after turning pro. The Australian finished 19th on the Korn Ferry Tour moneylist and won the Utah Championship in just his fourth professional tournament.
Ollie Schniederjans
Ollie Schniederjans made his LIV Golf debut as a reserve player after filling in for the injured HyFlyers GC Captain, Phil Mickelson. The American earned a full-time spot on the International Series with his play at LIV Golf Promotions. He subsequently won in his debut at the International Series India.
Rasmus Højgaard
Danish Prodigy Rasmus Højgaard secured his 2025 PGA Tour card through the DP World Tour. The 24-year old boasts five European wins, which includes a victory over Rory McIlroy at the Irish Open.
Luis Madaveu
Luis Madaveu is already making waves despite being in the early stages of his career. The Spaniard joined Fireballs GC to replace Sergio Garcia. Madaveu only turned 22 last December but has already written his name in the history books after becoming the first Spanish amateur to make the cut at The Open Championship.
Main Photo Credit: © Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
