The 2025 season is ending, highlighting key decisions and moments shaping professional golf’s future.
Although golf is known for its constants, 2025 saw several profound decisions, especially within the LIV Golf League. These moves suggest a convergence with established tours, alongside changes in the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour.
LIV Golf’s Strategic and Personnel Renewal
January marked leadership change as American Scott O’Neil succeeded Greg Norman as LIV Golf’s CEO. O’Neil, a seasoned sports executive, aims to drive LIV Golf forward with innovation and broadened reach, fostering reconciliation with other golf leagues and pursuing collaborations with the Majors, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), and PGA Tour.
February brought new qualifying pathways created by the R&A and USGA for LIV players at The Open Championship and US Open. By April, signs of rapprochement between LIV Golf and OWGR appeared, highlighted by a meeting at Augusta National between O’Neil and OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman. Despite this, LIV’s rejected OWGR application still impacts major qualifications.
Significant Impacts on DP World Tour and Ryder Cup
From 2026, LIV Golf will cease paying fines to the DP World Tour for unauthorized participation in competing events. Although players Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton competed this year without fines pending appeals, future members must personally cover penalties, potentially weakening Europe’s Ryder Cup team in 2027.
LIV’s most momentous change is extending tournament play from three to four days in 2026, shifting from 54 to 72 holes, aligning with PGA and DP World Tour formats. Since LIV’s inception, three-day events symbolized a break from tradition, even reflected in the league’s name referencing Roman numeral LIV (54).
Transformations in the PGA and LPGA Tours
The PGA Tour announced leadership changes as NFL executive Brian Rolapp assumes CEO duties, succeeding Commissioner Jay Monahan by end of 2026 amid structural reforms including the creation of PGA Tour Enterprises. Rolapp brings expertise in media rights and digital strategy crucial for the tour’s future.
Meanwhile, the LPGA Tour appointed Craig Kessler, formerly with Topgolf, as its new Commissioner in May, sparking debate over the absence of a female leader in a women’s golf organization.
Tomorrow Golf League Updates for Fans
The Tomorrow Golf League (TGL), co-founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy with sports executive Mike McCarley, will start its second season in late 2025, concluding in March 2026. The indoor league, partnering with the PGA Tour, features PGA players and adjusted schedules for 2026 with matches expanding to Friday afternoons and Sundays, enhancing