The 2025 season concludes with a review of pivotal decisions and moments in professional golf.
Although golf is known for many constants, 2025 saw significant decisions, particularly in the LIV Golf League. These moves hinted at closer ties with established tours, and changes also emerged in the PGA and LPGA Tours.
LIV Golf’s Strategic and Leadership Changes
January marked a leadership shift in LIV Golf as American Scott O’Neil took over as CEO from Greg Norman, who initially planned to stay as advisor but fully exited in September. With decades of pro sports management experience, O’Neil aims to steer LIV Golf into its next phase, focusing on innovation and broadening its reach. He also pursues a reconciliatory approach towards other golf leagues and potential 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 players for the Open Championship and the US Open. By April, signs of rapprochement with OWGR, a key metric for Major qualifications, surfaced—highlighted by meetings between O’Neil and OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman at Augusta National. This was the first engagement following LIV’s denied OWGR application, which still disadvantages LIV players regarding Major participation.
Financial Penalties and Format Overhaul
LIV Golf’s decision to cease paying penalties to the DP World Tour from 2026 onward has broad implications. DP World Tour rules, ratified by courts, sanction members competing in unauthorized rival events. This year, LIV players Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton competed in the Ryder Cup and DP World Tour penalty-free due to ongoing appeals. From 2026, players wishing to remain DP World Tour members and compete in events like the Ryder Cup will bear their own financial penalties, potentially weakening Europe’s team in Ireland 2027.
The most transformative LIV decision was extending tournament formats from three to four days for the 2026 season, upgrading from 54-hole to 72-hole events. This aligns LIV tournaments with the Thursday-Sunday schedule typical of PGA and DP World Tours. Since its founding, LIV’s three-day event format reflected its break with golf tradition and was symbolized in its name, LIV, the Roman numeral for 54.
Changes in PGA and LPGA Tours and the Rise of TGL
The PGA Tour announced leadership changes in 2025 with NFL executive Brian Rolapp named CEO. Rolapp will succeed Commissioner Jay Monahan, stepping down at the end of 2026. The newly created PGA Tour Enterprises, led by Rolapp, focuses on new revenue streams and digital strategy to secure the Tour’s future.
In the LPGA Tour, Craig Kessler replaced Mollie Marcoux Samaa as Commissioner in May. Bringing strong sports and entertainment management expertise, Kessler’s appointment sparked debate over why a woman was not chosen to lead women’s professional golf.
The Tomorrow Golf League (TGL), founded by Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Mike McCarley in partnership with the PGA Tour, launched its second season at the end of 2025. The indoor league, blending traditional golf elements with innovative formats and including PGA Tour players, will feature new match times on Friday afternoons and Sundays