Hello and welcome to the first Nukes Only News Report of 2025!

Each week, we bring you the top stories, rising stars, and everything you need to know about the next generation of golf.

We’re stoked to keep building this year and are so grateful to have you along for the ride.

Let’s dive right in:

The Rundown

Noah Kent is Heading Home

(via Golfweek)

After a strong start to his fall season, Noah Kent, the Iowa State sophomore and U.S. Amateur runner-up, is heading south. Kent will transfer to the University of Florida, joining the Gators for the 2025–26 season.

A Naples native, Kent will bring serious firepower to an already stacked UF squad, bolstered by a loaded recruiting class. Expect the Gators to make some major noise next year.

Oh, and by the way—he’ll also be teeing it up at Augusta National this April. Not a bad way to start the year!

Blades Brown is turning PRO

(via Golf Digest)

If you’ve been hibernating the past few weeks, you might’ve missed this: Blades Brown, the 17-year-old phenom from Nashville, is officially turning pro.

Brown, who’s skipping both the rest of high school and a college career, will make his PGA Tour debut later this month at the American Express—an event won last year by Nick Dunlap.

In case you need a refresher on his résumé:

• At 16, Brown became the youngest medalist in U.S. Amateur history, breaking a 103-year-old record set by Bobby Jones.

• In 2024, he added the U.S. Junior medalist honors, joining only Tiger Woods and Bobby Clampett as players to achieve that double.

• He capped off the year with three AJGA wins and a 12-shot victory at the Tennessee State Junior.

Brown seems poised to follow in Akshay Bhatia’s footsteps, blazing a trail for other top amateurs to go straight to the pros. We’ll be following his journey closely!

Top 10 Potential Breakout Stars of 2025

(via NBC Sports)

If you want to keep tabs on the best young talent in golf, Brentley Romine is a must-read. His latest list highlights 10 players under 25 who are primed to break out in 2025.

Criteria for inclusion:

• Yet to crack the top 100 in the OWGR

• Yet to win on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, or LIV Golf

• 25 years old or younger

The top three players are all Korn Ferry Tour graduates who could make an immediate impact on the PGA Tour this year. Definitely worth keeping an eye on this group!

Player Spotlight

Ian Gilligan Wins Again

Florida standout and 2024 Western Amateur champion Ian Gilligan started 2025 with another massive title, claiming the Australian Master of the Amateurs at Southern Golf Club in Keysborough, Australia.

Gilligan posted a sizzling 8-under 64 in the second round (featuring nine birdies) and drained a clutch bomb of a birdie putt on 18 to secure a one-shot victory in the final round.

With this win, Gilligan continues to establish himself as one of the best amateurs in the world. Keep an eye on him this spring—and beyond!

Follower Swing of the Week

Big congrats to Elijah Estonilo for being voted as our top follower swing of the week! Elijah is a 2026 from Dallas, TX, with some MAJOR speed.

Keep an eye on him and go show him some love!

And that wraps up our first issue of 2025! 🎉

We’re so excited to kick off another year of bringing you the best stories, players, and moments from the next generation of golf. Huge thanks to everyone who’s been part of this journey so far – your support, feedback, and passion for the game mean everything.

Got a story tip, a player we should spotlight, or an idea for collaboration? Don’t hesitate to drop us a line – we’d love to hear from you.

Here’s to an incredible year ahead, and we can’t wait to grow with you in 2025.

See you next week! 🚀

— Nukes Only