The 2025 season wraps up with key decisions and moments shaping professional golf worldwide.
Although golf is characterized by many constants, 2025 witnessed several profound decisions, especially within the LIV Golf League. Some LIV Golf decisions indicated a convergence with established tours, while changes also appeared on the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour.
LIV Golf’s Strategic and Personnel Reshuffle
In January, a leadership change at the LIV Golf League was announced. American Scott O’Neil took over as the new CEO from Greg Norman, founder in 2021, who initially planned to remain as advisor but stepped back completely in September. With decades of sports management experience, O’Neil pledged to lead LIV Golf into a new phase marked by innovation and broader reach. He also signaled a more conciliatory approach towards other golf leagues, including potential future cooperation with the Majors, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), and the PGA Tour.
In February, R&A and USGA introduced new qualification pathways for LIV players to the Open Championship and US Open. By April, indications of LIV’s rapprochement with the OWGR emerged, highlighted by a meeting between O’Neil and OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman at Augusta National Golf Club. This was the first engagement post LIV’s rejected OWGR application, which continues to limit LIV players’ major opportunities.
Impacts on DP World Tour and Ryder Cup from Penalty Changes
LIV Golf’s decision to cease penalty payments to the DP World Tour starting 2026 is expected to have broad repercussions. The DP World Tour regulations—and courts—confirm penalties for members playing unauthorized events. Players like Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton participated in this year’s Ryder Cup and DP World Tour events without penalty, pending ongoing appeals. Players wishing to remain DP World Tour members to play in future Ryder Cups will need to assume financial penalties themselves from 2026, potentially weakening the European team at the 2027 Ryder Cup in Ireland.
Format Revolution: LIV Expands to 72 Holes from 2026
The biggest structural shift for LIV Golf was extending tournament formats from three days (54 holes) to four days (72 holes) starting 2026. This change aligns LIV events with the PGA and DP World Tours’ typical Thursday to Sunday schedule. Since its inception, LIV tournaments featured three-day formats as part of its break from golfing traditions, reflected even in its name (LIV being Roman numerals for 54).
PGA Tour Leadership Transition: Brian Rolapp Takes Helm
The PGA Tour also announced significant changes during 2025.