The 2025 season concludes with a review of groundbreaking decisions and moments shaping professional golf globally.
Although golf has many constants, 2025 saw profound decisions mainly emerging within the LIV Golf League. Some LIV Golf moves suggested a rapprochement with established tours. Changes also appeared in the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour.
LIV Golf’s Strategic and Personnel Reset
In January, a leadership change at LIV Golf was announced. American Scott O’Neil became LIV Golf’s new CEO, succeeding Greg Norman, who initially remained as an advisor but resigned in September. O’Neil, a seasoned sports executive, aims to lead LIV Golf into its next development phase with innovation and broader reach. He also advocates 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, R&A and USGA created new qualification avenues for LIV Golf players for the Open Championship and US Open. By April, rapprochement with OWGR—the standard for most Major qualifications—emerged. O’Neil and OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman met at Augusta National, marking their first engagement since LIV Golf’s OWGR application rejection, which still limits LIV players’ Major access.
Implications of Penalty Changes for DP World Tour and Ryder Cup
LIV Golf’s decision to cease penalty payments to the DP World Tour from 2026 onward will impact the golf world significantly. DP World Tour rules, upheld legally, sanction members playing unauthorized competing events. LIV players Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton participated in the Ryder Cup and DP World Tour events in 2025 without penalties amid ongoing appeals. From 2026, DP World Tour members aiming to compete, including at the Ryder Cup, must manage their own financial penalties, potentially weakening the European Ryder Cup team in Ireland 2027.
The most notable LIV Golf decision in 2025 was expanding tournaments from three to four days for the 2026 season. This moves LIV events from 54 to 72 holes, typically played Thursday to Sunday, aligning with PGA and DP World Tour standards. Since LIV’s inception, three-day events reflected its break from golf traditions, even embedded in its name, LIV, the Roman numeral for 54.
PGA Tour and LPGA Tour Leadership Changes
The PGA Tour also announced changes. NFL executive Brian Rolapp will become PGA Tour CEO, succeeding Commissioner Jay Monahan, who will step down by the end of 2026. Rolapp brings extensive expertise in media rights, marketing, and digital strategy, focusing on the Tour’s future growth. He chairs the recently formed PGA Tour Enterprises, generating revenue for the Tour.
The LPGA Tour appointed Craig