The 2025 season is concluding, highlighting key decisions and moments shaping professional golf worldwide.
While golf is often characterized by traditions, 2025 brought significant decisions, particularly within the LIV Golf League. LIV Golf’s recent moves suggest a rapprochement with established tours, alongside noted changes in the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour.
LIV Golf Reshapes Leadership and Strategy
In January, American Scott O’Neil succeeded Greg Norman as CEO of LIV Golf, the league launched in 2021. Norman initially stayed on as advisor but stepped back completely by September. O’Neil, a seasoned sports executive, aims to lead LIV Golf into a new phase emphasizing innovation and outreach. He advocates for a more collaborative approach with other golf leagues and foresees partnerships with the Majors, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), and the PGA Tour.
In February, the R&A and USGA introduced new qualification pathways for LIV players to join the Open Championship and US Open. Discussions between O’Neil and OWGR Chairman Trevor Immelman at Augusta National Golf Club in April signaled progress, marking the first engagement since LIV Golf’s OWGR membership bid was declined, which still affects LIV players’ major eligibility.
Impact on DP World Tour and Ryder Cup
LIV Golf’s 2026 decision to cease fines against DP World Tour players competing without permission will have broad implications. DP World Tour rules, upheld legally, penalize players who join rival events unapproved. Players like Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton participated in the 2025 Ryder Cup and DP World Tour events without penalties, pending legal appeals. From 2026, members wishing to retain Ryder Cup eligibility may face financial sanctions themselves, possibly weakening the European team in Ireland 2027.
Additionally, LIV Golf will expand tournament formats from 54 to 72 holes starting in 2026, aligning closer with PGA and DP World Tour event structures. Traditionally, LIV tournaments lasted three days, reflecting their “LIV” (54 in Roman numerals) branding and a break from conventional golf formats.
Shifts in the PGA and LPGA Tours
In 2025, the PGA Tour announced Brian Rolapp, an NFL executive, as its new CEO, set to succeed Commissioner Jay Monahan at the end of 2026. This restructuring introduces a CEO role overseeing new entities like PGA Tour Enterprises, focusing on media rights and digital strategy to secure the tour’s future growth.
Meanwhile, the LPGA Tour appointed Craig Kessler, former Topgolf executive and board member, as commissioner in May, succeeding Mollie Marcoux Samaa. This leadership change sparked discussion about gender representation in a leading women’s golf organization.