The 2025 season wraps up with a review of groundbreaking decisions and moments in professional golf.
Although golf is traditionally marked by many constants, 2025 saw several profound changes, especially within the LIV Golf League. Several decisions by LIV Golf indicated a closer alignment with established tours. Changes were also evident in the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour.
Strategic and Personnel Overhaul at LIV Golf
In January, LIV Golf announced a leadership change. American Scott O’Neil took over as the new CEO of LIV Golf, founded in 2021, replacing Greg Norman, who initially planned to remain as an advisor but stepped back in September. With decades of professional sports management experience, O’Neil aims to guide LIV Golf into its next phase combining innovation with wider reach. He advocates a more conciliatory approach towards other golf leagues and is open to future collaborations with Majors, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), and the PGA Tour.
In February, R&A and USGA established new qualifying opportunities for LIV golfers for the Open Championship and US Open majors. An alignment with OWGR, critical for most major qualifications, emerged under CEO O’Neil in April. O’Neil and OWGR Chairman Trevor Immelman were seen discussing at Augusta National Golf Club—the first contact since LIV Golf’s OWGR application was declined, a decision still affecting LIV players’ major participation.
Impact of Penalty Removal on DP World Tour and Ryder Cup
LIV Golf’s decision to end penalty payments to the DP World Tour from 2026 onward will have wide repercussions. The DP World Tour’s regulations, upheld by courts, sanction members who compete in unauthorized rival events. Players like Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton participated in this year’s Ryder Cup and DP World Tour without penalty as exclusion rulings are pending appeal. From 2026, DP World Tour members must personally cover any penalties to remain eligible for future Ryder Cups, possibly weakening Europe’s team in Ireland 2027.
The most significant shift in LIV Golf is extending tournaments from 54 holes (three days) to 72 holes (four days) starting 2026, aligning their schedule from Thursday to Sunday like the PGA and DP World Tours. Since its foundation, LIV tournaments were three-day events, a format reflecting their break from golf tradition, even hinted by ‘LIV’ as the Roman numeral for 54.
Transformations in PGA and LPGA Tours
The PGA Tour announced key changes in 2025. Brian Rolapp, a top NFL executive, will succeed longtime Commissioner Jay Monahan, who plans to retire end of 2026. Rolapp will become the PGA Tour CEO, overseeing newly founded PGA Tour Enterprises aiming to generate revenue for the tour. His expertise in media rights, marketing, and digital strategy positions him to shape the tour’s future.
The LPGA Tour appointed Craig Kessler, a longtime sports manager from Topgolf, as the new commissioner in May, replacing Mollie Marcoux Samaa. Kessler, formerly on the LPGA Board, brings extensive experience in sports and entertainment. His appointment sparked discussion, as some questioned why a woman wasn’t selected to lead a women’s golf organization.
The Tomorrow Golf League (TGL