A Completely Subjective Shortlist of What's In (and Out) in 2025 Golf Culture

It's time to lock in on what we're welcoming in the new year and what we're leaving in 2024.

New Years' resolutions are effectively out, and we're embracing another year of one of the best internet trends to kickstart our '25 off properly. You've seen these in-out lists before—for how we approach dating and social situations to what fashion trends are appropriate—so it only feels right to compile a list aimed specifically for golf given how much the game's ongoing cultural shift.

The past year has brought on many changes to the landscape, some of which we're into (think organically viral moments, like Charley Hull's dedication to darts or Charlie Woods' first ace). Others...not so much (Kuch's 12-hour par at Sedgefield). The virality of pro golf isn’t the only thing we’re paying attention to. In fact, we crave more from golf as a whole, beyond the realm of professional vs. recreational. From the exponential rise of contemporary brands to experimental golf leagues, the markets for every golf faction will expand to new heights, and we anticipate that the forthcoming year will only continue to introduce new ideas into the mix.

Thus leading us to crafting a completely subjective list of golf culture things we need more (and less) of in the new year. From this moment on, we’re all in on golf as an experience. How you consume news about it, how you think about it, who you do it with, what you wear when you’re doing it, where you go to do it, how you celebrate it—everything.

We want to continue this positive trend in the game being multifaceted, where there’s something for everyone, to discover new avenues and drive off into the sunset as a full blown golf sicko. What’s in for us? Being a well, yet affordably dressed, full-stack capital G golfer who is everyone’s favorite playing partner.

What’s out? Well keep reading, we’ll get into that.

In 2025, we hope to assist you in solidifying your preferences and take pride in enjoying the things that make the game our favorite pastime.

IN:

Rejecting modernity (trucker hats), embracing tradition (dad caps). We’re not saying stop wearing them entirely…a select few can pull off the obscenely oversized crown, for the unfortunate collective who can’t—you’re not alone. Dad caps are familiar and will never fail you.

Just walkin’ 9 whenever, with whoever We’re all for walking. Walking is hot. Walking is good for you. And we’re on the side of people who think walking speeds up pace of play.

Pitch and Putts Don’t have enough time for a full round? These babies are it. Hone your wedge game and have a nice walk.

Vintage/Secondhand golf apparel Depop. Facebook Marketplace. eBay. Mullie. Skully. Whatever your poison—give the golf items a quick browse every so often you may be surprised.

Showing up 20 minutes before your tee time and only putting Hour-long warm ups are very last year. Putting is forever. Trust your instincts, save your energy (and stretch).

Actually practicing a drill/drills on an off day Do your damn drills. Or, don't, and don't complain! :)

Embracing a sawed off finish Watch your approach shots improve by a million. But also, looks cool.

Mini drivers I still don't fully know what these babies do yet but kinda adds to the lore, don't you think? In, because I need to hit one asap.

Sim golf leagues But sign up solo, go all in with complete strangers. If you’re going to do it, do it right.

Waiting for the group in front of you while chilling the hell out on a bench and enjoying the weather. If there’s anything you take away from this list—let this be it. Is pace of play lowkey an issue in golf? Yeah. But sometimes we all need to slow down just a touch and be in the moment. Smell the roses (or freshly cut bermuda grass).

Group golf lessons You were going to share your swing tips in the group chat anyways. All boats rise.

Trying to swing like Ludvig Easily the best swing on tour, right now. Emphasis on easily.

Generous flask pulls for double bogeys...Come to think of it, flasks. (Whatever happened to those? Due for a comeback.) 2025…the year of the flask. For mocktails and spirits and Riptide Rush Gatorade Frost.

OUT:

AirPod Walk &Talks Let this be our plea. Please, end our suffering, the singular AirPod is a chop.

Personalized/Custom Staff Bags Personalization is always in, but going HAM on a staff bag is too cringe. Do, however, get yourself a staff bag. Put it in your office or basement or entry way. Put some umbrellas and back up clubs in it. Emit wealth.

Bare minimum LPGA TV coverage The more LPGA Tour golf we can watch this year the better. The more women's golf we can watch on TV in general this year the better. We won't complain about commercials. Serve us, broadcast overlords!

Unsolicited swing advice This extends to your own TopGolf bay. Your Saturday skins game. Your trip to the putt-putt course with your 8-year-old nephew. Only if asked.

Scramble format cheaters (I know—you know—you didn’t pay for that mulligan) Scrambles used to be for the love of the game and raising a little money for a good cause, not trying to break 50 for a shop credit. We cosign, MyGolfSpy:

Long-driving seniors playing the senior tees And yes, it is because we are jealous.

Waiting for the group in front of you with your hand on your hip. You know what's cooler than looking like a dick? Birding. Look around and check out some species, man. Nobody needs more social pressure on their next swing.

Trying to swing like Rory Just worried about your back, friend.

Mini liquor shots for birdies This has run its course. "Birdie juice." Meh.