The 2025 season is ending, and our review covers the pivotal decisions and moments in professional golf.
Although golf is often marked by consistency, 2025 saw profound changes, especially within the LIV Golf League. Several decisions hinted at a rapprochement with established tours, while transformations also took place on the PGA and LPGA Tours.
Strategic and Personnel Restructuring at LIV Golf
In January, LIV Golf announced a leadership change with American Scott O’Neil taking over as CEO from Greg Norman, who initially planned to stay as an advisor but departed completely in September. With decades of professional sports management experience, O’Neil aims to advance LIV Golf’s next phase by focusing on innovation and expanding reach. He is committed to a more conciliatory approach toward other golf leagues and envisions future collaborations with the Majors, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), and the PGA Tour.
In February, the R&A and USGA introduced new qualifying pathways for LIV players to participate in the Open Championship and the US Open. Further, in April, O’Neil met with OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman at Augusta National Golf Club, marking the first engagement since LIV’s OWGR application was denied – a position that still limits LIV players’ access to Majors.
Impact on DP World Tour and Ryder Cup Due to Penalty Changes
LIV Golf’s 2026 decision to stop paying penalties to the DP World Tour carries significant consequences. DP World Tour rules, upheld by courts, sanction members who participate in competing events without approval. Players like Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton competed in the Ryder Cup and DP World events penalty-free in 2025 pending appeal decisions. From 2026, players wishing to remain DP World Tour members to compete in events like the Ryder Cup must self-fund any penalties, potentially weakening Europe’s 2027 Ryder Cup team in Ireland.
Moreover, LIV Golf will shift from its traditional 54-hole, three-day tournaments to a 72-hole, four-day format starting in 2026. This change aligns LIV tournaments with PGA and DP World Tour event schedules, running Thursday through Sunday, ending LIV’s break from golf traditions indicated by its Roman numeral ‘LIV’ representing 54.
Transformations in the PGA and LPGA Tours
The PGA Tour will see NFL executive Brian Rolapp step in as CEO, replacing Commissioner Jay Monahan who plans to retire by end of 2026. Rolapp, with deep expertise in media rights, marketing, and digital strategies, also leads the PGA Tour Enterprises, which generates additional tour revenue.
In the LPGA, Craig Kessler, formerly of Topgolf and a board member, replaced Mollie Marcoux Samaa as Commissioner in May. This leadership change sparked debate over the absence of a woman in the top role of the organization representing women’s golf.
Additionally, the Tomorrow Golf League (TGL), founded by Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and sports manager Mike McCarley in partnership with the PGA Tour, entered its second season in late 2025. After launching in January 2025, its indoor format concluded in March with Atlanta Drive GC claiming the title. For 2026, T