The 2025 season ends with a review of pivotal moments and decisions in professional golf that shape the sport’s future.
Although golf is a sport known for its constants, 2025 brought profound decisions, especially within the LIV Golf League. Some moves signaled LIV Golf’s approach towards established tours, while changes were also evident on the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour.
LIV Golf Shifts Strategically and Personnel-wise
In January, Scott O’Neil, a seasoned American sports executive, took over as CEO of LIV Golf from Greg Norman, who stepped back by September. O’Neil aims to lead LIV Golf into its next phase by embracing innovation and broadening reach. He is pursuing a reconciliatory approach towards other golf leagues and hopes for future cooperation with the Majors, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), and the PGA Tour.
In February, the R&A and USGA opened new qualification routes for LIV players into the Open Championship and US Open. An apparent rapprochement towards OWGR emerged under O’Neil’s leadership. In April, O’Neil met with OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman at Augusta National, marking the first contact since LIV’s rejected OWGR application, which still impacts LIV players’ Major qualifications.
Key Changes Affecting DP World Tour and Ryder Cup
LIV Golf’s decision to cease penalty payments to the DP World Tour from the 2026 season onward could have major repercussions. DP World Tour regulations sanction players participating in unauthorized competing events, confirmed by legal rulings. This season, LIV players Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton participated without penalties due to ongoing appeals. From 2026, players wishing to remain DP World Tour members to compete in events like the Ryder Cup will bear financial penalties themselves, possibly weakening the European Ryder Cup team in 2027.
A revolutionary change for LIV Golf is extending its tournament format from three to four days starting in 2026. LIV events will be played over 72 holes, aligning with PGA and DP World Tours’ Thursday-to-Sunday schedules. The original three-day, 54-hole format reflected LIV’s initial break from golf traditions, even reflected in its Roman numeral name ‘LIV’ representing 54.
PGA Tour Leadership and LPGA Tour Developments
The PGA Tour announced notable changes in 2025. Brian Rolapp, a former NFL executive, is set to become PGA Tour CEO, succeeding Commissioner Jay Monahan who plans to retire in late 2026. This restructure shifts top leadership to a CEO role, with Rolapp also heading PGA Tour Enterprises focusing on new revenue streams. Rolapp brings expertise in media rights, marketing, and digital strategy, central to the Tour’s future.
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