Golf is changing and it’s not just the formats, brands, or broadcast styles. The next generation of players is stepping onto the scene with confidence, creativity, and cultural relevance that’s redefining the sport in real time.
Meet Gen Z: a wave of young golfers who are as comfortable in group chats and TikTok clips as they are in bunkers and birdie putts.
In this post, we highlight the top Gen Z talent shaping golf’s future and why 2025 might be the year the torch is officially passed.
Ludvig Åberg: Precision Meets Poise
If there’s one name leading the Gen Z charge, it’s Ludvig Åberg. The 25-year-old Swede has quickly risen through the ranks thanks to elite ball-striking and icy composure under pressure. After making a splash at the Ryder Cup and consistently finishing near the top of leaderboards, Åberg is not just the future he’s the present.
His clean style, calm demeanor, and global appeal are making him a favorite among both fans and sponsors.
Akshay Bhatia: Swagger with Skill
Akshay Bhatia brings a refreshing energy to the game—long hair, expressive fashion, and a fearless approach to competition. At just 23, he’s already a PGA Tour winner with a game that thrives under pressure.
Bhatia connects with younger fans through social media, showing off both his grind and his personality. He’s part athlete, part influencer, and fully Gen Z.
Rose Zhang: Changing the Game for Women’s Golf
On the LPGA side, Rose Zhang is the face of the movement. From dominating amateur golf to winning in her pro debut, she’s proving that the next era of women’s golf has arrived.
Zhang is a Stanford graduate, social media-savvy, and already a brand ambassador for major companies. She represents the balance between tradition and modernity that Gen Z athletes thrive in.
Beyond the Course: Creators & Culture
It’s not just the pros. Gen Z creators like Roger Steele, Grant Horvat, and Good Good Golf are building massive followings by blending golf content with humor, fashion, and lifestyle. They're part of the same ecosystem that Gen Z pros exist in—blurring the lines between athlete, creator, and brand.
This generation sees golf not just as a sport, but as a platform.
Mental Health, Transparency & Authenticity
Gen Z athletes are also changing how we talk about the pressures of the game. Players like Matthew Wolff have spoken openly about mental health struggles, reshaping the old-school “grind it out” mindset into something more human and honest.
Fans connect with this rawness and that connection is changing golf fandom forever.
Final Thoughts
The Gen Z era in golf is not coming it’s here. These young stars are shifting the vibe on Tour, in locker rooms, and across social media. They’re not just playing the game differently they’re building a new culture around it.
SWXGOLF is here for all of it from deep dives to drip checks. Tap in and follow the movement.
