The 2025 PGA Tour season burst into life Thursday at the idyllic yet imposing Kapalua Plantation Course on the Hawaiian island of Maui. As palm fronds swayed and surf pounded, the game’s elite attacked the generous fairways and undulating greens with a mix of rusty nerve and voracious ambition.
Emerging from the fray was a surprise leader in 33-year-old Tom Hoge. The Fargo, North Dakota native left his expectations on the mainland and carved up Kapalua with a brilliant 9-under 64. After becoming a father just last month, Hoge entered the new season with a fresh perspective and uncluttered focus.
“We had our first child in early December, so kind of forced time off,” Hoge reflected. “I feel like with the changes in the schedule, last year was a lot of golf from now until the Tour Championship. I felt like I was pretty burned out at that point.“
Reinvigorated and rolling the rock with vigor, Hoge reeled off a barrage of birdies to seize the solo lead. Perennial major bridesmaids Hideki Matsuyama and Will Zalatoris lurk one shot back after opening 65s.
Matsuyama magic, Zalatoris reborn
Matsuyama conjured his typical sorcery, his new putter igniting for an eagle and a flurry of back nine birdies. The meticulous craftsman is hoping an equipment shift can erase the major void in his illustrious career.
Zalatoris unveiled a transformed physique, the product of an offseason mission to strengthen a fragile back that sabotaged his 2023 campaign. The lithe Texan has bulked up in hopes of extending his prime and vying in golf’s grandest arenas.
I’m hoping that this year my best golf is at the end of the season.
Will Zalatoris
Other storylines rumbled across the grounds as whales breached offshore. Defending FedEx Cup champion Xander Schauffele grinded to a 72 after multiple wilderness explorations. Tony Finau pieced together a 67 in his return from knee surgery. Youth continued to rise as Collin Morikawa and Cam Young fired 66s.
But the story of Day 1 was the rebirth of Tom Hoge. A journeyman now with journeys to plan for a growing family. A competitor reconnecting with fundamentals after a draining 2024. A shot maker plotting his assault on the record prize money and elevated Ryder Cup stakes injected into this new PGA Tour era.
The cast has assembled at Kapalua. The gauntlet thrown down by Hoge. The chase engaged to unseat absent numero uno Scottie Scheffler. 2025 has dawned and the PGA Tour saga has roared to life anew.
