The 2025 season is ending, and our year in review highlights key decisions and moments in professional golf.
Although golf has many constants, 2025 brought several profound decisions, especially in the LIV Golf League. Some moves by LIV Golf suggested a rapprochement with established tours. Changes were also seen on the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour.
LIV Golf’s Strategic and Personnel Reshuffle
In January, Scott O’Neil took over as the new CEO of LIV Golf from Greg Norman, who had initially intended to stay on as an advisor but stepped back entirely in September. O’Neil, a seasoned sports executive, aims to lead LIV Golf into its next phase with innovation and expanded reach. He also signaled a more conciliatory approach towards other golf leagues and is open to future collaborations with the Majors, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), and the PGA Tour.
In February, the R&A and the USGA created new qualification opportunities for LIV Golf players for the Open Championship and the US Open. By April, conversations between O’Neil and the OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman took place at Augusta National Golf Club, marking a first step toward integration despite previous OWGR application rejections that still limit LIV players’ major participation.
Major Changes in Tour Policies and Formats
LIV Golf’s decision to cease fines towards the DP World Tour starting in 2026 carries significant implications. According to DP World Tour regulations, players who compete in rival events without approval face sanctions. Top LIV players like Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton participated in the Ryder Cup and DP World Tour without fines in 2025 due to pending appeals, but after 2026, players wishing to remain members to compete in events like the Ryder Cup may have to bear penalties themselves, potentially weakening the European team in 2027.
Another landmark change is LIV Golf’s shift from a 54-hole to a 72-hole tournament format starting in 2026, aligning with the PGA Tour and DP World Tour schedules from Thursday to Sunday. Since its inception, LIV tournaments have been three-day events symbolizing the league’s break from golfing traditions, a nod reflected even in the league’s roman numeral name representing 54.
Evolving Leadership and Innovations in Professional Tours
The PGA Tour announced leadership changes with Brian Rolapp, a top NFL executive, set to become CEO, succeeding Jay Monahan who will step down at the end of 2026. Rolapp brings extensive expertise in media rights, marketing, and digital strategy, key themes for the tour’s future. The PGA Tour Enterprises, launched in 2024 to generate revenue, will also be led by Rolapp.
The LPGA