The 2025 season wraps up with a review of the most pivotal decisions and moments in professional golf.
Although golf is often characterized by many constants, 2025 saw several groundbreaking decisions, particularly within the LIV Golf League. Some of LIV Golf’s moves indicated a rapprochement with established tours. Changes were also notable within the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour.
LIV Golf’s Strategic and Leadership Reshuffle
In January, LIV Golf appointed American sports executive Scott O’Neil as its new CEO, succeeding Greg Norman, who initially stayed as an advisor but later departed in September. O’Neil, with vast professional sports management experience, pledged to steer LIV Golf into its next phase, emphasizing innovation and reach. He also signaled a more conciliatory approach towards other golf leagues and expressed openness to collaborating with the Majors, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), and the PGA Tour in the future.
In February, the R&A and USGA introduced new qualification pathways for LIV golfers for the Open Championship and the U.S. Open. In April, a rapprochement toward the OWGR was evident when O’Neil met with OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman at Augusta National Golf Club, marking the first significant engagement since LIV’s OWGR application was rejected, an ongoing obstacle for LIV players’ major participation.
DP World Tour Penalties and Ryder Cup Implications
LIV Golf’s decision to cease penalty payments to the DP World Tour starting with the 2026 season has broad implications. DP World Tour rules—upheld by courts—penalize members competing without authorization in rival events. Top LIV players like Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton competed penalty-free in 2025 due to unresolved appeals. From 2026 onward, players choosing to remain DP World Tour members, for Ryder Cup eligibility, must assume financial responsibilities for sanctions. This may weaken Europe’s Ryder Cup team for 2027 in Ireland.
Format Revolution: LIV Extends to 72 Holes in 2026
LIV Golf announced a fundamental format change for 2026, expanding its tournaments from the original 54-hole, three-day events to 72 holes across four days, aligning with the PGA and DP World Tours’ Thursday-to-Sunday schedules. This shift ends LIV’s distinctive 54-hole format — reflected even in its name — and brings its competitions closer to traditional golf norms.
Transformations in the PGA and LPGA Tours
The PGA Tour announced leadership changes as Brian Rolapp, a veteran NFL executive, will become CEO,