The 2025 season concludes with a review of the most pivotal decisions and moments in professional golf.Although golf is often marked by many constants, 2025 saw some profound decisions, especially within the LIV Golf League. These decisions suggest a rapprochement with established tours. Changes were also evident in the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour.
LIV Golf’s New Leadership and Strategic Direction
In January, a leadership change at LIV Golf was announced. American Scott O’Neil took over as CEO from Greg Norman, who initially planned to remain as an advisor but completely stepped back by September. O’Neil, a seasoned sports executive, pledged to lead LIV Golf into its next phase emphasizing innovation and wider reach. He also signaled a more conciliatory approach towards other golf leagues and expressed openness to future cooperation with the Majors, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), and the PGA Tour.
In February, the R&A and USGA introduced new qualifying opportunities for LIV golfers for the Majors, including the Open Championship and U.S. Open. A potential alignment with the OWGR became apparent under O’Neil’s leadership in April, highlighted by talks with OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman at Augusta National Golf Club—the first such interaction since LIV Golf’s OWGR application was denied, which still limits LIV players’ Major qualifications.
Impact on DP World Tour and Ryder Cup
LIV Golf’s decision to end penalty payments to the DP World Tour starting in 2026 will have far-reaching effects. The DP World Tour’s regulations, upheld legally, impose sanctions on members who compete in rival events without permission. LIV players Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton participated in this year’s Ryder Cup and DP World Tour events without penalties as their exclusion appeals are pending. From 2026 onwards, players wishing to remain DP World Tour members to compete in events like the Ryder Cup must self-fund any penalties, possibly weakening Europe’s team at the 2027 Ryder Cup in Ireland.
The most significant change in LIV Golf this year is the extension of tournament format from three to four days for the 2026 season. LIV events will move from a 54-hole format to a traditional 72-hole format, typically played Thursday through Sunday, mirroring the PGA and DP World Tours. This shift marks a departure from LIV’s original concept, which intentionally broke golf traditions and was embodied in its name referencing the Roman numeral LIV for 54.
Transformation in PGA and LPGA Tours
In 2025, the PGA Tour announced leadership changes with Brian Rolapp, a top NFL executive, set to become CEO, succeeding Commissioner Jay Monahan who will step down by end 2026. Rolapp brings expertise in media rights, marketing, and digital strategy amid restructuring that includes the 2024 establishment of PGA Tour Enterprises to generate additional revenue.
The LPGA Tour also saw a leadership transition with Craig Kessler, formerly with Topgolf, appointed as Commissioner in May, replacing Mollie Marcoux Samaan. Kessler’s appointment sparked debate, with some questioning the absence of a female leader for the women’s golf organization.
Additionally, the Tomorrow Golf League (TGL), an indoor league founded by Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Mike McCarley in