The past week delivered gripping performances across the world’s premier golf tours, set against a backdrop of extreme summer heat, challenging course setups, and shifting tour narratives. From the PGA Tour to the LPGA and beyond, players battled not just competitors—but the elements.
PGA Tour – Travelers Championship (Cromwell, Connecticut)
Keegan Bradley claimed his second Travelers Championship in three years, finishing at 15-under-par. His victory, sealed with a dramatic birdie on the 18th hole, was a showcase of mental strength and precision putting—highlighted by a 64-footer at the 9th and a clutch 36-footer on the 15th.
Blistering heat defined the week, with temperatures soaring above 90°F (32°C), forcing several players, including Jordan Spieth and Si-Woo Kim, to withdraw. Tommy Fleetwood, who led into the final round, faltered with a bogey at the last, settling for a tie in second place.
Bradley’s win vaulted him to 7th in the Official World Golf Ranking and 9th in the Ryder Cup standings—fueling speculation he may feature as a playing captain this fall.
LPGA Tour – KPMG Women’s PGA Championship (Frisco, Texas)
Australia’s Minjee Lee delivered a composed and clinical performance to capture her third major title. With rounds of 69-72-69-74, she finished at 4-under-par, outpacing Chanettee Wannasaen and Auston Kim by three shots.
Her win came despite punishing Texas heat, lightning-fast greens, and widespread criticism over the course setup. Yet Lee never lost focus, draining key birdies on the back nine to cement her status as one of the modern greats of Australian golf.
LET & Challenge Tour Highlights
South Africa’s Cassandra Alexandra stunned the field at the Czech Ladies Open with a final-round 62 (−10), marking her first LET title.
On the Challenge Tour, England’s James Morrison emerged victorious after a sudden-death playoff in France, holing a clutch par to secure the win.
🇯🇵 Japan Tour – Nichirei Ladies Tournament
Hibiki Iriya secured a commanding victory in Japan with an even-par 72 on the final day, finishing four strokes ahead of her nearest competitor—asserting herself as a rising name to watch in 2025.
Rising Stars & Women’s Golf in the Spotlight
This season is proving a golden era for women’s golf:
– England’s Mimi Rhodes captured three LET titles this year (New South Wales, Joburg, Netherlands), earning her a major invite.
– Swedish rookie Ingrid Lindblad claimed her first LPGA win at the JM Eagle LA Championship.
– Japan’s Mao Saigo won the 2025 Chevron Championship, continuing her rapid ascent.
– Fellow Swede Maja Stark earned her maiden major at the U.S. Women’s Open in early June.
These talents underscore the strength and depth of the women’s game heading into the summer stretch.
Tour Growth & Future Outlook
Celebrating its 75th anniversary, the LPGA Tour announced two new events: one in Mexico and one at Utah’s Black Desert Resort. These additions push the total season purse near $130 million—a record and a signal of continued investment in the women's game.
Final Word
It was a week where grit met greatness. From Bradley’s emotional home-soil victory to Lee’s dominant display under pressure, professional golf once again reminded fans of its power to inspire—even in searing heat. As global tours head into July, expect more from rising stars and established names alike, as the season’s biggest storylines continue to unfold.