The 2025 season concludes with a review of the most pivotal decisions and moments in professional golf.
Although golf is characterized by many constants, 2025 witnessed several profound decisions, particularly within the LIV Golf League. Some of LIV Golf’s moves signaled a rapprochement with established tours, while changes also emerged in the PGA and LPGA Tour.
LIV Golf Reshapes Leadership and Strategy
In January, a leadership change at LIV Golf took place as American Scott O’Neil succeeded Greg Norman as CEO of the league founded in 2021. While Norman initially remained as advisor, he withdrew entirely by September. O’Neil, a seasoned sports executive, announced plans to lead LIV Golf into its next phase, focusing on innovation and broader reach. He advocates a more conciliatory approach toward other golf leagues and is open to future collaboration with the Majors, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), and the PGA Tour.
In February, the R&A and USGA introduced new qualifying routes for LIV golfers to the Open Championship and the US Open. Further steps toward integration with the OWGR, crucial for major qualifications, became apparent under O’Neil’s leadership in April. O’Neil and OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman met at Augusta National Golf Club, marking a historic dialogue, though LIV Golf’s rejected OWGR application still disadvantages its players in major tournament access.
Major Impacts on Tours and Tournament Formats
LIV Golf’s decision to cease penalty payments to the DP World Tour starting in the 2026 season will significantly affect the global golf landscape. Per DP World Tour regulations and court rulings, members competing without permission at rival events face sanctions. Star players Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton participated in this year’s Ryder Cup and DP World Tour events without penalties pending ongoing appeals. From 2026, players wishing to remain DP World Tour members to compete in events like the Ryder Cup must personally bear financial penalties, potentially weakening Europe’s 2027 Ryder Cup team in Ireland.
Another transformative move is LIV Golf’s tournament format shift from 54 to 72 holes starting in 2026, aligning with the typical Thursday-to-Sunday schedule of the PGA and DP World Tours. This reverses LIV’s three-day events concept, which broke with golf tradition and inspired the league’s name—LIV representing the Roman numeral for 54.
Changes in PGA and LPGA Tour Leadership and Formats
The PGA Tour announced notable changes in 2025, appointing NFL executive Brian Rolapp as CEO to succeed long-serving Commissioner Jay Monahan, who plans to step down by the end of 2026. Rolapp’s expertise in media rights, marketing, and digital strategy positions him to steer the tour through this transition.