The 2025 season concludes with a review of the most groundbreaking decisions and moments in professional golf.
Although golf remains rooted in many constants, 2025 saw several profound decisions, mainly emerging in the LIV Golf League. These choices indicated a move towards established tours, and developments also surfaced within the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour.
LIV Golf’s Strategic and Personnel Reshuffle
January marked a leadership change when American Scott O’Neil took over as CEO of LIV Golf, founded in 2021, succeeding Greg Norman, who initially stayed as an advisor before stepping back in September. Bringing decades of professional sports management experience, O’Neil intends to guide LIV Golf into its next phase with innovation and wider reach. He advocates a more conciliatory approach towards other golf organizations, aiming for future collaborations with the Majors, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), and the PGA Tour.
New qualification paths were established in February by the R&A and USGA for LIV players in the Open Championship and US Open. Talks hewed closer to OWGR integration under O’Neil, who, alongside OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman, met at Augusta National in April — the first overture since LIV’s OWGR application was declined, which still affects LIV players’ Major participation.
Impact of Penalties on DP World Tour and Ryder Cup
LIV Golf’s 2026 cessation of penalty payments to the DP World Tour will ripple widely. The DP World Tour rules, legally upheld, sanction members competing in rival events without approval. LIV players Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton still competed penalty-free this year, pending appeals. Post-2026, DP World Tour members wishing Ryder Cup eligibility must bear their financial penalties, potentially weakening Europe’s 2027 team in Ireland.
Format Revolution: LIV Extends to 72 Holes from 2026
The most significant LIV decision in 2025 was shifting tournaments from three to four days starting in 2026, expanding from a 54-hole to a 72-hole format. Events will typically run Thursday through Sunday, aligning with PGA and DP World Tour standards. This departs from the original LIV concept symbolized by its name, LIV representing the Roman numeral 54, breaking golf traditions.
Changes at PGA and LPGA Tours
2025 also brought change to the PGA Tour with NFL executive Brian Rolapp announced as CEO, replacing Commissioner Jay Monahan who plans to retire by end 2026. Rolapp’s expertise in media rights, marketing, and digital strategy will be critical for the Tour’s future, especially given the 2024 formation of PGA Tour Enterprises under his leadership to generate revenue.
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