The 2025 season is drawing to a close, and in this year-end review, we look back at the most pivotal decisions and moments in professional golf.
While golf is a sport marked by many constants, 2025 brought some profound decisions, especially within the LIV Golf League. Several choices by LIV Golf indicated a move toward alignment with established tours. Changes also surfaced on the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour.
LIV Golf’s Strategic and Personnel Reshuffle
In January, a leadership change occurred in the LIV Golf League. American Scott O’Neil took over as CEO from Greg Norman, who initially intended to stay on as advisor but stepped away from the league in September. O’Neil, a seasoned sports executive, declared plans to guide LIV Golf into its next phase, focusing on innovation and expanding reach. He also signaled a more conciliatory approach toward other golf leagues, leaving future collaboration with the Majors, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), and the PGA Tour on the table.
In February, the R&A and USGA opened new qualification routes for LIV players for the Open Championship and the US Open. An approach toward recognition by the OWGR, crucial for most Major qualifications, surfaced under O’Neil’s leadership by April. O’Neil and OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman met at Augusta National Golf Club, marking the first meeting since LIV Golf’s rejected OWGR application, which still constrains LIV players’ Major participation.
DP World Tour Penalties and Ryder Cup Implications
LIV Golf’s decision to end penalty payments to the DP World Tour from the 2026 season onward will have broad consequences. The DP World Tour rules, upheld by courts, sanction members who play unauthorized competing events. Despite current exceptions allowing LIV players Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton to participate in this year’s Ryder Cup without penalties, future players wishing to remain DP World Tour members and compete in events like the Ryder Cup must bear their financial penalties independently. This could result in a weakened European team at the 2027 Ryder Cup in Ireland.
Format Revolution: LIV Extends Tournaments to 72 Holes from 2026
The most profound decision within LIV Golf this year was expanding tournament formats from three to four days starting in the 2026 season. LIV events will transition from the traditional 54-hole format to the standard 72 holes, typically played Thursday through Sunday, aligning with PGA and DP World Tour norms. Since its founding, LIV Golf featured three-day tournaments as part of its innovative departure from golf traditions, even reflected in its name, LIV representing the Roman numeral for 54.
PGA Tour Leadership Changes: Brian Rolapp at the Helm
The PGA