Who’s Due? Ranking the Best Players without a Win in 2025… So Far
As the 2025 men’s professional golf season barrels toward the summer stretch, a handful of the world’s top players are still searching for their first win of the year. Despite regularly finding themselves in contention, these five stars have yet to hoist a trophy in 2025, a testament both to the depth of talent on tour and the thin margins separating victory from frustration. For this list, we’ve used DataGolf’s performance rankings, which take into account strokes gained data across a wide swath of events. This model helps level the playing field, especially considering LIV Golf events remain ineligible for Official World Golf Ranking, OWGR, points. As a result, OWGR can sometimes underrepresent players who primarily compete on LIV, whereas DataGolf’s metrics give a more accurate read of who’s truly playing the best golf week in and week out. In a Ryder Cup year, and with two majors and several signature events still ahead, these players remain poised to break through at the right time.
Jon Rahm – World Number Four - DataGolf Rank: Fourth
Jon Rahm may be winless in 2025, but few would argue he’s far from his best. The Spanish superstar has delivered a steady stream of top-10 finishes in LIV events, showcasing the same explosive game that’s made him a two-time major champion. Rahm’s driving and iron play remain among the best in the world, and his fire and confidence often elevate him in big moments. Though LIV events don’t impact OWGR rankings, Rahm remains very much in the Ryder Cup conversation, with his global stature and consistent results keeping him in the spotlight. A victory feels inevitable, and perhaps overdue for Rahm, who continues to prove that he belongs in every conversation about the game’s elite, regardless of tour affiliation.
Collin Morikawa – World Number Five - DataGolf Rank: Fifth
Collin Morikawa has quietly built one of the steadiest resumes of the 2025 season, racking up high finishes while showcasing elite ball-striking from tee to green. He came close to grabbing a win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and has frequently hovered near the top of leaderboards in signature events. Still, despite the flashes of brilliance, Morikawa has been unable to put together four perfect rounds to seal the deal. The two-time major winner remains one of the most reliable iron players in the world, and his putting, once a glaring weakness, has shown signs of improvement. With his track record and poise under pressure, Morikawa breaking through this season feels like a matter of when, not if.
Tommy Fleetwood – World No. 10 - DataGolf Rank: Ninth
Tommy Fleetwood has been one of the most consistent performers on the PGA Tour every time he tees it up, but a win still eludes the popular Englishman. He’s racked up several top-15 finishes, including a strong tied-for-fifth finish at the Genesis Invitational and a tied-for-fourth finish at the Truist Championship, and his all-around game has kept him in the hunt across a variety of course styles. Fleetwood’s control with his irons and short game creativity make him a perennial threat, especially when conditions get tough. His energy and emotion on the course have always resonated with fans, and many believe he’s one of the best players yet to win on American soil, if not the best! With the Ryder Cup looming, Fleetwood’s form all but assures a spot on Team Europe, but a win would further cement his role as one of the team's emotional leaders. 2025 might finally be the year he changes that narrative and captures a long-awaited PGA Tour win.
Xander Schauffele – World Number Three - DataGolf Rank: Third
The reigning PGA and Open Champion, Xander Schauffele, continues to be the king of consistency, making every cut so far in 2025, but is yet to truly contend at any event he’s played this year. Schauffele’s elite ball-striking, paired with a sharp short game, gives him every tool needed to close out a tournament, but for now, he’s still searching for his elite form since returning from injury earlier this year. With the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow upon us, where he’ll look to defend his first Major title, Xander is under the spotlight. A strong showing this week could be the tune-up he needs to get back in the winner’s circle and remind everyone why he’s one of the most complete players in the game.
Patrick Cantlay – World No. 13 - DataGolf Rank: 10
Patrick Cantlay has had a relatively quiet 2025 by his standards, but his numbers suggest he’s still playing high-level golf. Known for his calm demeanor and methodical approach, Cantlay has posted several quality finishes this season without fully putting together the kind of dominant week we’ve seen from him in the past. His strokes gained metrics remain strong across the board, especially tee to green, and he continues to be one of the steadiest putters under pressure. While he’s flown somewhat under the radar compared to some of his peers, Cantlay has all the tools and experience to win on any given week. Don’t be surprised if he gets hot and racks up a win or two once he finds that extra gear and makes himself a lock as a Captain’s Pick for the U.S. Ryder Cup Team, if he’s unable to qualify on points alone.
Final Thoughts
Golf is a game of patience, and for players like Rahm, Morikawa, Fleetwood, Schauffele, and Cantlay, the lack of a win in 2025 doesn't diminish the high level of golf they’ve been playing. In many cases, these near-misses are proof that a breakthrough is imminent. The season still has a ways to go, with two majors, several signature events, and a Ryder Cup left on the calendar, and these five stars are likely to play central roles in shaping its outcome. As the pressure mounts and the opportunities narrow, look for these proven contenders to finally capitalize. After all, the cream always rises, and these players are too good to stay winless for long.
