The 2025 season concludes with a look back at the most groundbreaking decisions and moments in professional golf.
While golf is known for many constants, 2025 saw several profound decisions, especially in the LIV Golf League. Some moves indicated a rapprochement with established tours. The PGA Tour and LPGA Tour also experienced notable changes.
LIV Golf’s Strategic and Personnel Changes
In January, Scott O’Neil took over as the new CEO of LIV Golf, succeeding Greg Norman who initially planned an advisory role but exited in September. O’Neil, with decades in sports management, announced plans to lead LIV Golf into its next phase, emphasizing innovation and broader reach. He signaled a more conciliatory approach to other golf tours and is open to future collaboration with the Majors, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), and the PGA Tour.
In February, the R&A and USGA introduced new qualification paths for LIV players for the Open Championship and US Open. A step toward OWGR recognition also surfaced with talks between O’Neil and OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman at Augusta National in April, marking the first significant engagement since LIV’s OWGR application was previously rejected, still limiting LIV players’ major participation.
Impactful Decisions Affecting Global Golf
LIV Golf announced ending penalty payments to the DP World Tour from the 2026 season, impacting the global golf landscape. DP World Tour members are sanctioned for playing unauthorized competing events. Players like Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton competed in the Ryder Cup and DP World Tour without penalties this year due to ongoing appeals. However, from 2026, players wishing to remain DP World Tour members for Ryder Cup eligibility may face financial penalties themselves, potentially weakening Europe’s 2027 Ryder Cup team in Ireland.
A landmark change is LIV Golf expanding its tournament format from 54 to 72 holes starting in 2026. LIV events will typically run Thursday through Sunday, aligning with PGA and DP World Tours. Since founding, LIV’s three-day format symbolized its break with golf tradition, reflected even in its name, LIV, representing Roman numeral 54.
Changes in PGA and LPGA Leadership and Formats
The PGA Tour announced leadership changes with NFL executive Brian Rolapp appointed CEO, replacing commissioner Jay Monahan who plans to step down by late 2026. Rolapp brings expertise in media rights, marketing, and digital strategy, key to the Tour’s future. PGA Tour Enterprises, launched in 2024 to generate additional revenue, is also under his direction.
The LPGA Tour appointed Craig Kessler, former Topgolf executive, as new commissioner in May, sparking discussions given that a woman was not selected, despite