The 2025 season concludes with a look back at the most pivotal decisions and moments in professional golf sports.
While golf remains a sport of many constants, 2025 saw several groundbreaking decisions, especially within the LIV Golf League. Some developments in LIV Golf indicated a move closer to established tours. Changes were also notable in the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour.
LIV Golf’s Strategic and Leadership Overhaul
In January, a leadership change took place as American Scott O’Neil became the new CEO of LIV Golf, taking over from Greg Norman who initially planned to stay on as advisor but later exited the business in September. O’Neil, a sport executive with decades of professional experience, announced plans to lead LIV Golf into its next phase, focusing on innovation and expanding reach. He also signaled a more conciliatory approach toward other golf tours and potential 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 for the Open Championship and the US Open. In April, signs of rapprochement with the OWGR, which underpins qualification for most majors, were noted. CEO O’Neil and OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman met at Augusta National Golf Club—the first such engagement since LIV Golf’s OWGR application was rejected, a setback still affecting LIV players’ major eligibility.
Impact of Penalties and LIV’s Format Expansion
LIV Golf’s 2026 decision to cease penalty payments to the DP World Tour will significantly impact professional golf. The DP World Tour’s rules, upheld in court, sanction members participating in competing events without permission. Players like Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton managed to compete in this year’s Ryder Cup and DP World Tour events without penalties due to ongoing appeals. However, from 2026 onward, DP World Tour members will bear full responsibility for penalties, potentially weakening Europe’s Ryder Cup team in Ireland 2027.
Another major LIV Golf change is the expansion of tournament formats from three to four days starting in 2026. LIV tournaments will shift from a 54-hole format to the traditional 72 holes, generally played Thursday through Sunday, aligning with PGA Tour and DP World Tour norms. This change marks a departure from the LIV brand’s original concept which included a unique 54-hole identity.
Leadership Changes at PGA and LPGA Tours and New Fan Experiences
The PGA Tour saw notable changes as NFL executive Brian Rolapp was named CEO, set to replace Commissioner Jay Monahan by end of 202