The 2025 season is ending, highlighting pivotal decisions and moments in professional golf’s global scene.
Although golf is characterized by many constants, 2025 witnessed several profound decisions, especially within the LIV Golf League. Some LIV Golf decisions indicated rapprochement with established tours. Changes were also evident in the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour.
LIV Golf Reorganizes Strategically and Personnel-wise
In January, a leadership change occurred at LIV Golf. American Scott O’Neil took over as CEO from Greg Norman, founder of the 2021 league. Norman initially stayed as an advisor but stepped back completely in September. O’Neil, a seasoned sports executive, aims to lead LIV Golf into its next growth phase through innovation and outreach. He also promotes a more conciliatory approach toward other golf circuits and seeks future collaborations with the Majors, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), and the PGA Tour.
In February, the R&A and USGA introduced new qualification pathways for LIV golfers to the Open Championship and US Open. Progress toward OWGR recognition, which affects major qualifications, became apparent under O’Neil in April. O’Neil and OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman met at Augusta National Golf Club—the first significant engagement since LIV Golf’s OWGR bid rejection—which still limits LIV players’ major participation.
Impacts on DP World Tour and Ryder Cup
LIV Golf’s decision to stop fines against the DP World Tour from 2026 will have broad consequences. The DP World Tour’s rules and courts confirm sanctions for members competing in rival events without permission. LIV players Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton participated in the Ryder Cup and DP World Tour without fines this year, pending appeals. Players wishing to remain DP World Tour members to compete in events like the Ryder Cup will bear financial penalties themselves from 2026, possibly leading to a weakened European team at the 2027 Ryder Cup in Ireland.
Format Shift: LIV Expands to 72 Holes from 2026
The most profound LIV Golf decision was extending tournaments from three to four days starting in 2026. LIV events will shift from a 54-hole to a 72-hole format, typically played Thursday through Sunday—matching PGA and DP World Tour standards. Since LIV’s inception, tournaments were three days to challenge golfing traditions; even LIV’s name references 54 in Roman numerals.
PGA Tour Transitions with New CEO Brian Rolapp
The PGA Tour announced major changes in 2025. Brian Rolapp, a top NFL executive, will become PGA Tour CEO, succeeding longtime commissioner Jay Monahan, who plans to step down end of 2026. Historically, the commissioner was the highest-ranking tour official. Structural