Global Takeover: Who Are Some of the Young Non-Americans Dominating Golf?
Over the past 15 years, professional golf has been shaped and elevated by a powerful group of international stars. Names like Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Hideki Matsuyama, Jason Day, and Adam Scott easily come to mind. These players didn’t just compete with the best Americans on the planet; they often were the best, capturing Major championships, reaching world Number Ones, and helping redefine what it means to be a global golf superstar. Their careers have inspired a new wave of talent to reach for even higher standards, with many of them already knocking on the door of greatness in their early twenties.
A new generation is emerging. Young non-American players who are ready to follow in those footsteps and perhaps even forge new paths of their own. With global tours more interconnected than ever, and with events like the Olympics and the Ryder Cup bringing international pride to the forefront, the timing couldn’t be better. Whether it’s Europe, Asia, South America, or Australia, the next crop of international contenders is here, and they aren’t just participating, they’re beginning to dominate. Here are five young, global stars poised to create legacies of their own.
Ludvig Aberg – Sweden – Age 25
Ludvig Aberg has made one of the most seamless transitions from college golf to the PGA Tour in recent memory. In just his second full season as a professional, the 25-year-old Swede has already notched multiple top-five finishes, a signature event win at the Genesis Invitational, and two strong showings at Augusta. He sits firmly inside the top ten in both the FedEx Cup standings and the Official World Golf Rankings. What separates Aberg from other young stars is his all-around polish, elite ball-striking, mature course management, and an ability to perform under pressure well beyond his years. He was a breakout performer for Team Europe at the 2023 Ryder Cup and will almost certainly be a mainstay for the squad moving forward. With the U.S. Open and Open Championship still ahead, Aberg is on the verge of true superstardom. The scary part? He’s just getting started.
Joaquin Niemann – Chile – Age 26
Joaquin Niemann has taken the unconventional route, becoming one of LIV Golf’s most electric players while still earning invitations to Majors through strong performances worldwide. The 26-year-old Chilean already owns multiple worldwide wins, and his three wins on LIV just this year alone are a reminder to everyone of his immense talent. He just followed that up with a top-10 finish at this year’s PGA Championship and continues to climb the global performance rankings. Known for his fluid swing and aggressive playing style, Niemann thrives on fast, firm setups where creativity is rewarded. He’s also matured mentally, learning to pick his spots and finish tournaments strong, something that eluded him early in his career. With a growing global following and a game built for the biggest stages, Niemann is poised to become the leading force in South American golf for years to come.
Tom Kim – Republic of Korea – Age 22
Tom Kim burst onto the scene with a pair of PGA Tour wins in 2022 and quickly became one of the most popular and dynamic young players in the sport. Now 22, Kim has already played in a Presidents Cup, contended in multiple Majors, and developed a reputation as one of the toughest competitors under 25. He’s currently working through a bit of a slump, but he’s certainly someone who can turn things around in the blink of an eye. What makes Kim special is his fearlessness. He doesn’t shy away from the moment, embraces the biggest stages, and thrives in team formats. As his short game improves and he continues to gain experience, expect Tom Kim to remain a fixture at the top of leaderboards and in fan favorite polls for the foreseeable future. His ceiling remains sky-high.
Min Woo Lee – Australia – Age 26
Min Woo Lee might be the most electric player in golf right now who hasn’t fully broken through in the U.S., but that could change very soon. The 26-year-old Aussie has a unique blend of speed, touch, and swagger that’s made him a fan favorite on both the DP World Tour and increasingly on the PGA Tour. He’s already earned multiple international wins, and his first PGA Tour win at the Texas Children’s Houston Open turned heads worldwide. Lee’s charisma and creativity are perfect for venues like Augusta and St. Andrews, and his power makes him a dangerous contender anywhere. With more consistent play and improved course strategy, Lee could soon add more PGA Tour wins, and possibly a major, to his résumé. As Australia’s next big golf hope, he’s primed to carry that torch on the global stage.
Viktor Hovland – Norway – Age 27
Viktor Hovland may already be established, but at just 27 years old, he’s still very much part of golf’s “next” generation. A FedEx Cup champion in 2023, Hovland is one of the most decorated international players under 30, and already has multiple PGA Tour wins, top finishes in majors, and a Ryder Cup to his name. While 2025 has been up and down for him so far, he’s recently shown signs of finding the form that made him a dominant force two seasons ago, including a win at the Valspar Championship. Hovland is a streaky player, and when he’s hot, few can match his ball-striking and putting. He’s also evolved mentally, shedding the early-career mistakes that once held him back on Sundays. A strong summer stretch could vault him right back into the Major Championship conversation. If he finds his groove, don’t be surprised if Hovland becomes one of Europe’s leading men heading into the 2025 Ryder Cup.
Final Thoughts
The future of golf doesn’t belong to just one country, it’s being shaped by a rising generation of global talent ready to dominate at every level. Players like Åberg, Niemann, Kim, Lee, and Hovland represent more than just promise, they represent a shift in where the next great champions may come from. With major championships, the Olympics, the Ryder Cup, and the President’s Cup on the horizon, these names are likely to become even more familiar to fans around the world. Golf has never been more international, and the next era could be its most global and exciting yet.
