The 2025 season is ending, highlighting pivotal decisions and moments in professional golf that will shape the sport’s future.
Although golf is often characterized by many constants, 2025 saw some profound decisions, especially within the LIV Golf League. Several LIV Golf decisions indicated a rapprochement with established tours. Changes also emerged within the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour.
LIV Golf Restructures Personnel and Strategy
In January, a leadership change at LIV Golf was announced. American Scott O’Neil took over as CEO of the 2021-founded league from Greg Norman, who initially stayed as an advisor but stepped down in September. O’Neil, a seasoned sports executive, promised to lead LIV Golf into its next development phase with innovation and reach. He also favors 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 created new qualification opportunities for LIV players for the Open Championship and the US Open. A rapprochement with the OWGR became apparent under O’Neil in April when he met with OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman at Augusta National Golf Club. This was the first engagement since LIV’s rejected OWGR application, which still impacts LIV players’ access to majors.
Implications for the DP World Tour and Ryder Cup
LIV Golf’s decision to cease penalty payments to the DP World Tour from 2026 onward carries wide-reaching implications. The DP World Tour rules—and court rulings—confirm sanctions against players competing in rival events without approval. Players like Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton competed this year in the Ryder Cup and DP World Tour without penalties due to pending appeals. From 2026, players wishing to remain DP World Tour members—and potentially compete in future Ryder Cups—will have to bear financial sanctions themselves, risking a weakened European team at the 2027 event in Ireland.
Format Revolution: LIV Extends to 72 Holes in 2026
The most profound LIV Golf decision this year was extending tournaments from three to four days for the 2026 season. LIV events will no longer use the 54-hole format but will expand to 72 holes, typically running Thursday through Sunday, aligning with PGA and DP World Tour standards. Since inception, LIV’s three-day tournaments broke golfing traditions, reflected in its name, with LIV representing the Roman numeral for 54.
PGA Tour Transformation: Brian Rolapp Takes Helm
The PGA Tour announced key changes in