As the calendar flips to December, the official golf season may be in the books, but that doesn’t mean the action is over. Far from it.
While the FedExCup points and major titles are locked away until 2026, fans still have a few chances to soak in some high-level golf-just with a slightly more relaxed vibe. Welcome to the Silly Season.
These off-season events may not carry official Tour weight, but they bring together elite talent, unique formats, and some good-natured competition that still manages to showcase serious skill. Here's a look at the key exhibitions still to come before we close out 2025.
Hero World Challenge
Where: Albany Golf Club, Albany, Bahamas
When: Dec. 4-7
Watch on: Golf Channel, Peacock, NBC
Defending Champion: Scottie Scheffler
The Hero World Challenge is anything but a vacation, even if it’s set on the picture-perfect fairways of the Bahamas. With just 20 players in the field, this is a tight, elite group-handpicked and highly competitive. Scottie Scheffler returns as the defending champ, and if his form holds, he’ll be tough to beat.
The field still has three open spots, but the names already confirmed are a who’s who of global golf: Xander Schauffele, Justin Thomas, Hideki Matsuyama, and Patrick Cantlay headline a lineup that blends major winners, Ryder Cup veterans, and rising stars. Players like Chris Gotterup and Sepp Straka bring fresh energy, while veterans like Justin Rose and Keegan Bradley add experience to the mix.
This event may not offer FedExCup points, but with world ranking implications and pride on the line, don’t expect anyone to mail it in.
Grant Thornton Invitational
Where: Tiburon Golf Club, Naples, Florida
When: Dec. 12-14
Watch on: Golf Channel, Peacock, NBC
Defending Champions: Jake Knapp & Patty Tavatanakit
This one’s all about partnership and crossover appeal. The Grant Thornton Invitational pairs PGA Tour and LPGA Tour players in mixed teams, and the format has quickly become a fan favorite. It’s a rare chance to see how the best from both tours complement each other’s games-and personalities-on the course.
The 32-player field features 16 co-ed teams, and the lineup is stacked. Defending champs Patty Tavatanakit and Jake Knapp are back, but they’ll face stiff competition from duos like Lydia Ko & Jason Day, Lilia Vu & Tony Finau, and Nelly Korda & Denny McCarthy.
This event isn’t just about novelty-it’s about chemistry, shot-making, and a little bit of swagger. Watching Brooke Henderson and Corey Conners team up is a Canadian dream pairing, while Jessica Korda and Bud Cauley bring a blend of experience and flair. And keep an eye on the young guns like Rose Zhang and Michael Kim-this is the kind of stage where future stars shine even brighter.
PNC Championship
Where: Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando, Florida
When: Dec. 20-21
Watch on: Golf Channel, Peacock, NBC
Defending Champions: Bernhard Langer & Jason Langer
Few events in golf tug at the heartstrings quite like the PNC Championship. It’s part competition, part family reunion, and all feel-good golf. The format pairs major champions with a family member-usually a son or daughter, sometimes a parent-and the result is a unique blend of elite golf and genuine emotion.
Bernhard Langer and son Jason return as the two-time defending champs, and they’ve built quite the legacy in this event. Bernhard’s already a four-time winner here (twice with Jason, twice with his other son Stefan), and at this point, he’s basically the PNC’s unofficial mayor.
The field includes a mix of legends and recent major winners: Fred Couples, Vijay Singh, John Daly, and Gary Player all bring Hall of Fame credentials, while players like Nelly Korda, Matt Kuchar, and Steve Stricker represent the modern era. With 17 of the 20 spots already filled, it’s shaping up to be another memorable edition.
Wrapping Up the Year with Style
So no, the season isn’t quite over-not if you’re a golf fan who appreciates the sport’s many flavors. Whether it’s the elite showdown in the Bahamas, the mixed-team fun in Naples, or the family-focused magic in Orlando, December still has plenty of golf worth watching.
It’s the Silly Season, sure-but the talent is very real.