The 2025 season comes to a close as we review the most groundbreaking decisions and moments in professional golf.
Although golf is marked by many constants, 2025 saw some profound decisions, especially in the LIV Golf League. Some moves by LIV Golf indicated a rapprochement with established tours. Changes also appeared in the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour.
LIV Golf Restructures Leadership and Strategy
In January, a leadership change at LIV Golf was announced. American Scott O’Neil took over as CEO of the league founded in 2021, succeeding Greg Norman, who initially intended to stay as advisor but withdrew in September. O’Neil, a seasoned sports executive, pledged to lead LIV Golf into its next phase with innovation and reach. He also signaled a more conciliatory approach towards other golf leagues and future cooperation 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 two majors, The Open Championship and the US Open. A rapprochement to the OWGR system, crucial for major qualifications, surfaced under O’Neil by April. He and OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman met at Augusta National Golf Club—the first dialogue since LIV Golf’s OWGR application rejection, which still impedes LIV players’ major entry.
DP World Tour Sanctions and Ryder Cup Impact
LIV Golf’s 2026 decision to cease paying fines to the DP World Tour will have broad repercussions. DP World Tour rules, legally upheld, sanction members participating in unauthorized events. LIV players Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton could still compete in 2025’s Ryder Cup and DP World Tour without fines due to pending appeals. From 2026, players remaining members but competing in LIV events face financial penalties themselves, potentially weakening Europe’s 2027 Ryder Cup team in Ireland.
LIV Golf Expands Format to 72 Holes from 2026
The most significant change in LIV Golf was extending tournament format from 54 to 72 holes starting in 2026. This aligns their events with the PGA and DP World Tours, taking place Thursday through Sunday. Since its inception, LIV tournaments were played over three days (54 holes), reflecting the league’s break with tradition, even mirrored in its Roman numeral name LIV (54).
PGA Tour Transition: Brian Rolapp to Lead
The PGA Tour announced changes with Brian Rolapp, an NFL executive, becoming CEO replacing long-serving Commissioner Jay Monahan, who will retire end of 2026. Rolapp leads the newly formed PGA Tour Enterprises, tasked with generating revenue beyond traditional avenues. His expertise in media rights, marketing, and digital