The 2025 season draws to a close with a review of key decisions and moments in professional golf.
While golf is often marked by many constants, 2025 saw profound decisions, especially within the LIV Golf League. Some of LIV Golf’s decisions hinted at rapprochement with established tours. Changes were also evident in the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour.
LIV Golf’s Strategic and Personnel Overhaul
In January, a leadership change occurred at LIV Golf. American Scott O’Neil succeeded Greg Norman as the new CEO of the league founded in 2021. Norman initially planned to remain an advisor but withdrew in September. O’Neil, a sports manager with decades of professional experience, announced plans to lead LIV Golf into its next phase with innovation and expanded reach. He embraces a more conciliatory approach to other golf leagues and envisions future collaborations with the Majors, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), and the PGA Tour.
In February, R&A and USGA established new qualifying routes for LIV players into the Open Championship and the US Open majors. An approximation towards the OWGR, widely used for major qualifications, also emerged under O’Neil in April. In a notable meeting at Augusta National Golf Club, O’Neil met with OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman, marking a first approach since LIV’s prior OWGR application rejection, a factor still limiting LIV players’ major participation.
Consequences for DP World Tour and Ryder Cup
LIV Golf’s 2026 decision to end fines imposed on players for competing in DP World Tour against rules will have widespread implications. The DP World Tour’s regulations, upheld by courts, sanction members playing unauthorized competing events. LIV players like Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton competed in the Ryder Cup and DP World Tour this year without fines pending ongoing appeals. From 2026, players wishing to remain DP World Tour members to participate in future Ryder Cups must bear financial penalties themselves, potentially weakening Europe’s team in 2027 in Ireland.
LIV Golf also revolutionized its tournament format in 2025 by expanding from a 54-hole three-day format to 72 holes over four days beginning 2026. This change aligns LIV tournaments with the typical Thursday to Sunday schedule of the PGA and DP World Tours. Since its founding, LIV tournaments were three-day events reflecting its break from tradition, reflected even in its name LIV – Roman numeral for 54.
PGA Tour and LPGA Tour Leadership Changes
The PGA Tour announced several changes in 2025. NFL executive Brian Rolapp will become the CEO, succeeding long-serving Commissioner