The 2025 season draws to a close with a review of pivotal decisions and moments in professional golf.
Although golf is marked by many constants, 2025 saw several profound decisions, particularly within the LIV Golf League. Some changes indicated a rapprochement with established tours. Changes were also noted on the PGA and LPGA Tours.
LIV Golf Restructures Leadership and Strategy
In January, a leadership change was announced with American Scott O’Neil taking over as CEO of the LIV Golf League from Greg Norman, who initially planned to remain as advisor but withdrew in September. O’Neil, a seasoned sports executive, aims to lead LIV Golf into its next phase with innovation and expanded reach. He favors a more conciliatory approach towards other golf leagues and does not rule out future collaboration with the Majors, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), and the PGA Tour.
In February, R&A and USGA created new qualifying opportunities for LIV golfers for the Open Championship and the US Open. Under O’Neil’s leadership, rapprochement with the OWGR, crucial for major qualifications, became apparent in April. O’Neil and OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman met at Augusta National Golf Club, marking the first such dialogue since LIV’s OWGR application rejection, which still hampers LIV players’ Major participation.
Implications for DP World Tour and Ryder Cup
LIV Golf announced it would cease fines against the DP World Tour starting in 2026, which will impact the golf world significantly. DP World Tour rules sanction members who participate in competing events without approval. LIV players Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton could play this year’s Ryder Cup and DP World Tour without fines, pending ongoing appeals. Players wishing to remain DP World Tour members, hence eligible for Ryder Cup future participation, will shoulder their fines from 2026 onward, possibly weakening Europe’s team in the 2027 Ryder Cup in Ireland.
Perhaps the most revolutionary decision was extending the LIV tournament format from three to four days in 2026, switching from 54 to 72 holes. Tournaments will typically run Thursday through Sunday, aligning with PGA and DP World Tour standards. Since inception, LIV events were three days, reflecting its initial concept to break golf traditions, even reflected in its Roman numeral name LIV representing 54.
PGA and LPGA Tours Experience Leadership Changes
The PGA Tour is also transforming, with NFL executive Brian Rolapp appointed as its new CEO, succeeding Jay Monahan who will step down by end of 2026. Rolapp brings expertise in media rights, marketing, and digital strategy, which are central to the Tour’s future. The PGA Tour Enterprises, established in 2024 to generate revenue, will be led by Rolapp as well.
On the LPGA Tour, Craig Kessler, former Topgolf executive and LPGA board member, replaced Mollie Marcoux Samaa as commissioner in May. His appointment sparked debate over the absence of a female commissioner in a women’s golf organization.
The Tomorrow Golf League (TGL), founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy in partnership with the PGA Tour, launched its second season finale in March 2026. It is an indoor golf league blending traditional