The 2025 season comes to a close with a look back at the most pivotal decisions and moments in professional golf.
Although golf is marked by many constants, 2025 brought significant decisions, particularly in the LIV Golf League. Some LIV Golf decisions hinted at rapprochement with established tours, while changes also emerged in the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour.
LIV Golf’s Strategic and Personnel Shift
In January, a leadership change at LIV Golf was announced. American Scott O’Neil succeeded Greg Norman as CEO of the 2021-founded league; Norman initially planned to remain as advisor but stepped back in September. With decades of pro sports experience, O’Neil aims to guide LIV Golf into its next phase emphasizing innovation and broader reach. He also advocates a more conciliatory approach toward other golf leagues and is open to future collaborations with Majors, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), and the PGA Tour.
In February, the R&A and USGA created new qualifying pathways for LIV players to enter the Open Championship and the U.S. Open. An OWGR rapprochement also emerged under O’Neil in April, who was seen meeting OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman at Augusta National Golf Club—the first interaction since LIV’s OWGR application was rejected, which still limits LIV players’ access to majors.
Format Revolution and Penalty Changes
LIV Golf’s most profound change was shifting from a 54-hole, three-day format to a traditional 72-hole, four-day structure for 2026, aligning tournaments to run Thursday through Sunday like the PGA and DP World Tours. This marks a departure from LIV’s original concept reflected even in its name—LIV, the Roman numeral for 54.
Furthermore, LIV Golf’s decision to halt penalty payments to the DP World Tour from 2026 onward will have wide-reaching effects. The DP World Tour’s rules—and courts—enforce sanctions on members playing unauthorized competing events. Star LIV players Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton participated in the Ryder Cup and DP World Tour events penalty-free in 2025 due to ongoing appeals. Post-2026, players desiring DP World Tour membership and Ryder Cup eligibility may face personal financial liabilities, possibly weakening Europe’s 2027 Ryder Cup squad.
Changes in PGA and LPGA Tours
The PGA Tour also experienced significant leadership changes in 2025. Brian Rolapp, a top NFL executive, was named CEO, set to succeed Commissioner Jay Monahan by end-2026. While the commissioner traditionally led the tour, a CEO role was created, with Rolapp also heading PGA Tour Enterprises launched in 2024 to generate new revenues. Rolapp brings deep expertise in media rights, marketing, and