New Year, New Me and all that. It’s that time before the golf season really kicks into gear where players will sit down and outline their goals for 2025. Some players may have mini goals they hope to tick off in stages as stepping stones to eventually reach their goals for the year, while others are going all out for the big prizes.
For many, goals are focused around climbing the world rankings, in the knowledge that breaking certain barriers can unlock doors for next season.
We take a look at some of our touring professionals and try to gauge a realistic world rankings climb for 2025.
Rory McIlroy
Current OWGR: 3
The only way Rory McIlroy’s 2025 can be deemed as a success is if he wins that elusive fifth major championship title. It’s that simple. By doing that, it can also pave the way for him to climb back to world number one for the first time since January 2023.
Another standout performance at the Ryder Cup to help Europe win on US soil for the first time since 2012 would be the cherry on top of what is hopefully a redemption year for the four-time major winner.
Shane Lowry
Current OWGR: 27
Almost twelve months ago, Shane Lowry fell outside the top-50 in the Official World Golf Ranking, raising a few worried eyebrows among Irish golf fans.
We need not have worried, another burst of ultra consistent form saw Lowry climb back into the top-30 in the world and that is where he has remained.
Winning in 2025 and winning more than once will be on Lowry’s mind as he looks to cash in on that consistency and rack up the wins his career deserves and of course, he will have Royal Portrush on his mind.
Breaking back into the top-20 for the first time since 2023 would be a good marker for the Clara man but if he can turn that consistency into wins he can definitely eclipse his previous career high ranking of 16th.
Tom McKibbin
Current OWGR: 110
A now former, top-100 player in the world at the sprightly age of 22, Tom McKibbin will enjoy the benefits of more world ranking points on offer Stateside if he can settle on the PGA Tour this year.
Consolidating his position inside the top-100 in the world and retaining his PGA Tour card would be a job well done for the youngster.
Seamus Power
Current OWGR: 127
Once ranked 28th in the world, Seamus Power begins 2025 almost 100 places lower as he looks to get his career back on track after an injury and health plagued 2024.
Breaking back into the top-100 and securing places in major championships and signature events once again will be the plan of action of the Waterford man who will still harbour hopes of a Ryder Cup place for Team Europe if he can get back to his best form.
Conor Purcell
Current OWGR: 276
2024 saw Conor Purcell become the first new player from Ireland to break into the top-300 in eight years as he won twice on the Challenge Tour and secured promotion to the DP World Tour in the process.
Two missed cuts to start his rookie campaign on the DP World Tour was a sour note to end a fantastic year on but hopes are high for the 27-year-old from Portmarnock and a climb into the top-200 and retaining his card would be a good stab.
Leona Maguire
Current Rolex World Ranking: 52
The professional career of Leona Maguire has been a constant upward curve on the LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour so for her fifth season to be considered a decline after a win and a fall from 23rd to 52nd in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, is it really all that bad?
The Cavan star will be looking for big improvement in the major championships and a return to the world’s top-30 could follow suit.
Lauren Walsh
Current Rolex World Ranking: 224
Lauren Walsh enjoyed an excellent rookie campaign on the Ladies European Tour and will have the opportunity to play more Stateside after securing full status on the Epson Tour, the feeder for the LPGA Tour.
Walsh will undoubtedly be hunting another rise up the world rankings and can target the top-200 for sure.
Sara Byrne
Current Rolex World Ranking: 803
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