The 2025 season comes to a close as we review the most groundbreaking decisions and moments in professional golf.
While golf has many constants, 2025 saw several deep-reaching decisions, especially within the LIV Golf League. Some moves indicated a rapprochement with established tours. Changes were also evident in the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour.
LIV Golf Restructures Strategically and Personnel-wise
In January, a leadership change occurred at LIV Golf when American Scott O’Neil took over as CEO from Greg Norman, who initially stayed as advisor before stepping away in September. O’Neil, an experienced sports executive, aims to lead LIV Golf into its next phase, focusing on innovation and reach. He advocates a more conciliatory approach to other golf leagues and foresees future cooperation with the Majors, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), and PGA Tour.
In February, the R&A and USGA created new qualification pathways for LIV golfers for the Open Championship and US Open. An alignment with the OWGR, which dictates most Major qualifications, began to emerge under O’Neil in April. O’Neil met with OWGR Chairman Trevor Immelman at Augusta National, the first interaction since LIV’s rejected OWGR application, which still hampers LIV players’ Major entries.
DP World Tour Sanctions and Ryder Cup Implications
LIV Golf’s decision to cease fines to the DP World Tour from 2026 will have broad effects. DP World Tour’s rules, upheld legally, penalize members competing without permission in rival events. Players like Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton competed in this year’s Ryder Cup and DP World Tour without fines as their exclusion appeals are pending. From 2026, DP World Tour members wishing to participate in events like the Ryder Cup must bear financial penalties themselves, possibly weakening Europe’s team in Ireland 2027.
LIV Expands Tournament Format to 72 Holes in 2026
The most profound LIV Golf decision was expanding tournaments from three days (54 holes) to four days (72 holes) starting in 2026. Events will typically run Thursday to Sunday, aligning with PGA and DP World Tour formats. Since its inception, LIV’s three-day format was meant to break golf traditions, reflected even in its name, LIV representing the Roman numeral 54.
Changes in PGA Tour Leadership
The PGA Tour announced changes in 2025, with NFL executive Brian Rolapp taking over as CEO, succeeding Commissioner Jay Monahan, who will step down end of 2026. Traditionally, the Commissioner led the