The 2025 season is concluding with key decisions and moments shaping professional golf. Major tours and leagues undergo significant changes.
While golf is often characterized by many constants, 2025 saw some profound decisions, especially within the LIV Golf League. Several choices indicated a rapprochement between LIV Golf and established tours. Changes were also evident at the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour.
LIV Golf’s Personnel and Strategic Restructuring
In January, a leadership change was announced for LIV Golf; American Scott O’Neil took over as CEO from Greg Norman, who initially planned to stay as an advisor but withdrew in September. O’Neil, a seasoned sports executive, aims to guide LIV Golf into its next phase, emphasizing innovation and reach. He also favors a more conciliatory approach toward other golf leagues, including potential cooperation with the Majors, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), and the PGA Tour.
In February, the R&A and USGA created new qualification paths for LIV golfers for the Open Championship and the US Open. A move toward OWGR integration, used mainly for major qualifications, became apparent under CEO O’Neil by April. O’Neil and OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman met at Augusta National Golf Club in April—the first engagement since LIV’s rejected OWGR application, which still limits LIV players’ major participation.
Implications for the DP World Tour and Ryder Cup
LIV Golf’s decision to cease fines against DP World Tour players from 2026 will have widespread effects. DP World Tour rules, legally supported, sanction members competing unauthorized at rival events. LIV players Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton still competed without fines this year as exclusion appeals proceed. Members wishing to remain on the DP World Tour and compete in the Ryder Cup must bear fines themselves starting 2026, possibly weakening Europe’s Ryder Cup team in Ireland 2027.
Format Innovation: LIV Extends to 72 Holes in 2026
The most significant LIV Golf decision was extending its tournament format from three to four days starting 2026. LIV events will move from a 54-hole format to 72 holes, generally Thursday through Sunday, aligning with the PGA and DP World Tours’ schedule. Previously, LIV’s three-day events were a hallmark designed to break from traditional golf, even reflected in its Roman numeral ‘LIV’ meaning 54.
Transformations in the PGA Tour Leadership
The PGA Tour announced changes in 2025 with NFL executive Brian Rolapp assuming the CEO role, succeeding Commissioner