The 2025 season is ending, highlighting the most pivotal decisions and moments in professional golf worldwide.
Although golf is known for its traditions, 2025 brought significant changes, especially within the LIV Golf League. Some moves by LIV Golf indicated a rapprochement with established tours, while changes also occurred within the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour.
LIV Golf’s Strategic and Leadership Overhaul
In January, Scott O’Neil took over as CEO of LIV Golf from Greg Norman, who initially stayed as an advisor but fully stepped back in September. O’Neil, a seasoned sports executive, aims to drive LIV Golf’s next phase with innovation and broader reach. He seeks a more conciliatory approach towards other golf organizations and is open to collaborations with the Majors, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), and the PGA Tour.
In February, R&A and USGA created new qualification opportunities for LIV players at the Open Championship and the US Open. By April, interactions between LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil and OWGR Chairman Trevor Immelman at Augusta National hinted at potential future cooperation, despite LIV Golf’s previous OWGR application rejection, which still limits its players’ major entries.
Impact on DP World Tour and Ryder Cup Penalties
LIV Golf’s decision to cease penalty payments to the DP World Tour from 2026 onwards will have major implications. The DP World Tour’s regulations, upheld by courts, sanction members attending rival events without permission. LIV players Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton participated in the Ryder Cup and DP World Tour events penalty-free this year, pending appeals. From 2026, players wishing to remain DP World Tour members for Ryder Cup eligibility must manage their penalties, potentially weakening the European team at the 2027 event in Ireland.
LIV Golf also announced a format change: from 2026, tournaments will extend from 54 to 72 holes, occurring Thursday through Sunday, aligning with PGA and DP World Tour standards. Previously, LIV events ran for three days to break golfing traditions, reflected in its name symbolizing 54 holes.
Transformations at PGA Tour and LPGA Tour
The PGA Tour appointed Brian Rolapp, a top NFL executive, as its new CEO to succeed Commissioner Jay Monahan by the end of 2026. This restructuring involves establishing PGA Tour Enterprises to generate revenue, overseen by Rolapp, who brings deep expertise in media rights, marketing, and digital strategy.
Meanwhile, Craig Kessler replaced Mollie Marcoux Samaa as LPGA Tour Commissioner in May. Kessler, with extensive experience at Topgolf and previously on the LPGA Board, sparked discussions about female representation since the leadership role shifted from a woman