The 2025 season wraps up with a review of the most pivotal decisions and moments in professional golf.
While golf remains a sport of many constants, 2025 saw several groundbreaking decisions, especially within the LIV Golf League. Some of these indicate a rapprochement with established tours. Changes were also notable in the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour.
LIV Golf Reorganizes Personnel and Strategy
In January, a leadership change began as American Scott O’Neil took over as CEO of LIV Golf, founded in 2021, from Greg Norman, who initially planned to remain as advisor but withdrew from the business in September. O’Neil, a veteran sports executive, aims to guide LIV Golf into its next phase with innovation and expanded reach. He signals a more conciliatory approach toward 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 golfers to compete in the Open Championship and the US Open. An alignment with the OWGR, which is a key factor for major qualifications, also began to take shape under Scott O’Neil in April. O’Neil and OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman met at the legendary Augusta National Golf Club – their first encounter since LIV Golf’s rejected OWGR application, which still limits LIV players’ access to majors.
Impact on DP World Tour and Ryder Cup Penalties
LIV Golf’s decision to cease penalty payments to the DP World Tour from 2026 will have far-reaching effects. The DP World Tour regulations and court rulings sanction members who play unauthorized events. LIV players Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton could still compete without penalties in 2025 as their exclusion appeals are pending. From 2026, players wanting to remain members – to participate in events like the Ryder Cup – will bear financial penalties themselves, potentially weakening the European Ryder Cup team in Ireland in 2027.
A Revolutionary Format Change: From 2026 LIV expands tournaments from 54 to 72 holes, shifting from a three-day format to four days (Thursday to Sunday), aligning with PGA and DP World Tour norms. This departs from LIV’s tradition of three-day events embodying their break with golf conventions and reflects the meaning of LIV (Roman numeral 54).
PGA Tour Transitions: Brian Rolapp at the Helm
2025 also brought changes for the PGA Tour. Brian Rolapp, a top NFL executive, will become PGA Tour CEO, succeeding Jay Monahan who announced retirement at end of 2026. The Commissioner was previously the highest Policy Board member and Tour representative. With restructuring, a