The 2025 season winds down as we review the most impactful decisions and moments in professional golf.
Although golf remains marked by many constants, 2025 saw several profound decisions, particularly in the LIV Golf League. Some changes suggested a rapprochement between LIV Golf and established tours. The PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour also showed signs of transformation.
LIV Golf Restructures Leadership and Strategy
In January, Scott O’Neil, an American sports executive with decades of pro sports experience, took over as CEO of LIV Golf, founded in 2021, succeeding Greg Norman who initially planned to stay as advisor but stepped back by September. O’Neil announced plans to lead LIV Golf into a new phase emphasizing innovation and expansion. He also advocates a more conciliatory approach toward other golf leagues, intending to explore future collaborations with the Majors, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), and the PGA Tour.
In February, the R&A and USGA introduced new qualification paths for LIV golfers for the Open Championship and US Open. By April, signs of rapprochement with the OWGR — which largely determines Major qualifications — appeared under Scott O’Neil. O’Neil and OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman were seen meeting at Augusta National Golf Club, marking a first since LIV Golf’s OWGR application rejection, which still limits LIV players’ Major participation.
Implications of LIV Golf’s Penalty Policy Changes
LIV Golf’s decision to cease penalty payments to the DP World Tour from 2026 will have significant repercussions. The DP World Tour’s regulations, confirmed by courts, sanction members who compete in unauthorized rival events. This year, LIV players Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton competed in the Ryder Cup and DP World Tour without penalties as exclusion appeals remain unresolved. From 2026, DP World Tour members wishing to continue their affiliation—for example, to play in future Ryder Cups—will bear financial penalties themselves, potentially weakening Europe’s 2027 Ryder Cup team in Ireland.
The most transformative LIV Golf decision this year is extending tournaments from three days (54 holes) to four days (72 holes) starting in 2026. This aligns LIV events with the traditional Thursday-to-Sunday schedule used by the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. Since LIV’s founding, tournaments were three days, reflecting its intent to break golf traditions, symbolized by its Roman numeral name LIV (54).
Shifts in PGA and LPGA Leadership and Formats
The PGA Tour also announced changes in 2025, appointing NFL top executive Brian Rolapp as CEO, replacing long-time commissioner Jay Monahan, who will retire end of 2026. Previously, the commissioner was the highest Policy Board member and Tour representative. A restructuring now places a CEO role