The 2025 season wraps up with a look back at key decisions and moments shaping professional golf.
Although golf is a sport marked by many constants, 2025 saw some profound decisions, mainly within the LIV Golf League. Some of LIV Golf’s decisions indicated a rapprochement with established tours. Changes were also noted at the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour.
LIV Golf Reshapes Leadership and Strategy
In January, a leadership change was announced for the LIV Golf League. American Scott O’Neil took over as CEO from Greg Norman, founder of the 2021 league, who initially planned to stay as an advisor but withdrew from the business by September. With decades of professional sports management experience, O’Neil aims to lead LIV Golf into its next development phase, focusing on innovation and reach. He pursues a more conciliatory approach towards other golf leagues and is open to future collaborations with the Majors, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), and the PGA Tour.
In February, the R&A and USGA introduced new qualification opportunities for LIV Golf players at two major championships, The Open and the U.S. Open. In April, O’Neil and OWGR chair Trevor Immelman met at Augusta National Golf Club—the first interaction since LIV Golf’s rejected OWGR application, which continues to disadvantage LIV players regarding major championship participation.
Consequences of Fines on DP World Tour and Ryder Cup
LIV Golf’s decision to cease fines against the DP World Tour from 2026 onward carries significant implications. The DP World Tour rules, upheld in court, sanction members participating in competing events without approval. This year, LIV players Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton competed at the Ryder Cup and DP World Tour without fines, as appeals are pending. Players wishing to remain DP World Tour members to compete in events such as the Ryder Cup must bear their fines from 2026, potentially weakening the European team in the 2027 Ireland Ryder Cup.
Format Revolution: LIV Golf Expands to 72 Holes from 2026
The most transformative decision for LIV Golf was changing tournament formats from three to four days for the 2026 season. LIV events will move from 54 to 72 holes, typically scheduled Thursday through Sunday, aligning with the PGA Tour and DP World Tour traditions. Since its founding, LIV Golf tournaments lasted three days, part of its mission to break golf conventions, reflected even in the league’s name—LIV representing the Roman numeral for 54.