The 2025 season concludes with a review of key decisions and moments that shaped professional golf worldwide.
Although golf is often marked by many constants, 2025 witnessed several profound decisions, especially within the LIV Golf League. Some decisions hinted at a rapprochement with established tours, while changes also emerged in 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 the new CEO from Greg Norman, who initially intended to remain as an advisor but stepped back by September. With decades of professional sports management experience, O’Neil aims to lead LIV Golf into its next phase, emphasizing innovation and reach. He also favors a more conciliatory approach towards other golf leagues and is open to future collaborations with the Majors, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), and the PGA Tour.
In February, the R&A and the USGA introduced new qualification opportunities for LIV golfers for the Open Championship and the US Open. Under O’Neil’s leadership, a rapprochement with the OWGR, which is central to major qualifications, began emerging by April. Notably, O’Neil and OWGR Chairman Trevor Immelman met at Augusta National Golf Club, marking the first interaction since LIV Golf’s rejected OWGR application, which continues to affect LIV players’ access to majors.
Implications of Penalty Payments for DP World Tour and Ryder Cup
LIV Golf’s 2026 decision to cease penalty payments to the DP World Tour will significantly impact professional golf. The DP World Tour rules, upheld by courts, sanction members playing unsanctioned competing events. LIV players Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton participated in this year’s Ryder Cup and DP World Tour without penalties as exclusion decisions were pending. From 2026, players wishing to remain DP World Tour members for events like the Ryder Cup must bear their financial penalties, potentially weakening the European team in Ireland 2027.
Format Revolution: LIV Golf Expands to 72 Holes in 2026
The most profound change in LIV Golf was shifting its tournaments from a 54-hole, three-day format to a 72-hole, four-day format starting in the 2026 season. This aligns LIV events with the PGA Tour and DP World Tour standard Thursday-to-Sunday schedules. Since its inception, LIV tournaments were designed for three days to break from golf traditions, reflected even in the ‘LIV’ name, Roman numeral for 54.
PGA Tour Leadership and Structural Changes
In 2025, the PGA Tour announced significant changes. NFL executive Brian Rolapp will become the PGA Tour’s CEO, succeeding long-time Commissioner