The 2025 season concludes with a review of the most groundbreaking decisions and moments in professional golf.
Although golf is characterized by many constants, 2025 saw some profound decisions, especially in the LIV Golf League. Several moves by LIV Golf indicated a rapprochement with established tours, while changes were also noted on the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour.
LIV Golf Restructures Personnel and Strategy
In January, a leadership change was announced for LIV Golf. American Scott O’Neil took over as CEO from Greg Norman, who initially stayed on as an advisor before stepping back entirely in September. O’Neil, a sports executive with decades of experience, aims to guide LIV Golf into its next phase by combining innovation and reach. He supports a more conciliatory approach toward other golf leagues and is open to future collaborations with the Majors, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), and the PGA Tour.
In February, the R&A and USGA created new qualification paths for LIV golfers for the Open Championship and the US Open. An alignment with the OWGR, which is crucial for major qualifications, was also suggested under CEO O’Neil in April. O’Neil and OWGR Chairman Trevor Immelman met at Augusta National Golf Club in April, marking the first engagement between the institutions since LIV’s rejected OWGR application, which still limits LIV players’ access to the majors.
Consequences for DP World Tour and Ryder Cup
LIV Golf’s decision to stop paying fines to the DP World Tour from the 2026 season will have extensive implications. The DP World Tour’s regulations, upheld by courts, sanction members who participate in competing events without permission. LIV players Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton participated in the Ryder Cup and DP World Tour this year without penalties since exclusion decisions are under appeal. From 2026, players wanting to remain DP World Tour members for events like the Ryder Cup must bear their own financial penalties, potentially weakening the European team at the 2027 event in Ireland.
LIV Golf Expands Tournament Format to 72 Holes in 2026
The most significant decision by LIV Golf was changing its tournament format from three to four days for the 2026 season. LIV tournaments will move from 54 holes to 72 holes, aligning more with PGA Tour and DP World Tour standards, running Thursday through Sunday. Since LIV’s founding, its three-day events were distinctive, reflected in its name—’LIV’ being Roman numerals for 54—breaking golf traditions.
Changes in the PGA and LPGA Tours
The PGA Tour also announced changes