The 2025 season wraps up with a review of the most pivotal decisions and moments in professional golf.
Although golf is characterized by many constants, 2025 saw several profound decisions primarily within the LIV Golf League. Some LIV Golf decisions indicated a rapprochement with established tours. Changes were also noted in the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour.
LIV Golf’s Strategic and Personnel Reorganization
In January, a leadership change at LIV Golf was announced. American Scott O’Neil took over as CEO of the golf league founded in 2021, succeeding Greg Norman, who initially stayed as an advisor but withdrew from the business in September. With extensive professional sports management experience, O’Neil announced plans to lead LIV Golf into its next phase, focusing on innovation and expanding reach. He also signals a more conciliatory approach towards other golf leagues and seeks future cooperation with the Majors, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), and the PGA Tour.
In February, the R&A and USGA created new qualification opportunities for LIV golfers for the Open Championship and the US Open. In April, discussions between O’Neil and OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman at Augusta National Golf Club marked a first step towards reengagement despite LIV Golf’s OWGR application rejection, which continues to limit players’ participation in Majors.
Major Changes Impacting Tours and Tournaments
LIV Golf’s 2026 decision to end fines against DP World Tour players will have extensive consequences. DP World Tour rules, legally supported, penalize members who participate in rival events unauthorized. Players like Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton competed without fines in 2025 due to ongoing appeals. From 2026, players wishing to remain DP World Tour members to compete in events like the Ryder Cup must bear their financial penalties, potentially weakening Europe’s team in 2027 in Ireland.
A significant LIV Golf change for 2026 is expanding tournaments from three to four days—moving from a 54-hole format to the traditional 72 holes, aligning with PGA and DP World Tour norms. This shift marks a departure from LIV’s original concept, which embraced a unique three-day, 54-hole structure symbolic of its name (LIV = 54 in Roman numerals).
Transformations in PGA and LPGA Tours
The PGA Tour announced major changes in 2025. Brian Rolapp, an NFL executive, was named PGA Tour CEO, succeeding long-time Commissioner Jay Monahan, who plans to step down by late 2026. This reorganization includes the creation of PGA Tour Enterprises in 2024