The 2025 season is drawing to a close; this review highlights the key decisions and moments in professional golf.
Although golf is often marked by stability, 2025 saw significant decisions, especially within the LIV Golf League. Developments hinted at closer ties between LIV Golf and established tours, alongside changes within the PGA and LPGA Tours.
LIV Golf Restructures Personnel and Strategy
In January, American Scott O’Neil took over as CEO of LIV Golf, succeeding Greg Norman who initially planned to stay on as advisor but exited the business in September. O’Neil, a veteran sports executive, aims to guide LIV Golf into its next development phase with innovation and greater reach. He advocates a more conciliatory approach towards other golf tours, opening doors for future 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 at the Open Championship and US Open. A move towards OWGR integration also appeared in April, marked by a meeting between O’Neil and OWGR Chairman Trevor Immelman at Augusta National Golf Club. This was the first engagement since LIV Golf’s rejected OWGR application, which still limits LIV players’ access to Majors.
Implications for DP World Tour and Ryder Cup
LIV Golf’s 2026 decision to stop paying penalties to the DP World Tour will have widespread impact. The DP World Tour’s rules—and legal backing—penalize members competing in rival events without permission. In 2025, LIV players Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton participated in the Ryder Cup and DP World events without penalty, pending ongoing appeals. From 2026, players wishing to remain DP World Tour members and compete in events like the Ryder Cup will bear financial penalties themselves, possibly weakening Europe’s team in 2027 Ireland.
Another major change: LIV Golf is expanding its tournament format from 54 holes over three days to 72 holes spanning four days starting in 2026. Tournaments will typically run Thursday through Sunday, aligning with PGA and DP World Tour formats. This reverses LIV’s original model that broke golf traditions and even inspired its name with LIV representing Roman numeral 54.
Shifts in PGA and LPGA Tours
The PGA Tour announced significant leadership changes in 2025 as Brian Rolapp, an NFL executive, was appointed CEO, succeeding Commissioner Jay Monahan who will step down end of 2026. Previously, the Commissioner was the Tour’s top policy official; now, a CEO role has been created, with Rolapp also heading PGA Tour Enterprises, formed in 2024 to generate new revenue streams. Rolapp brings expertise in media rights, marketing, and digital strategy—key focuses for the Tour’s future.
In the LPGA Tour, Craig Kessler replaced Mollie Marcoux Samaa as Commissioner in May. Kessler, formerly on the LPGA Board and a seasoned sports executive with Topgolf, brings extensive entertainment industry experience. His hiring sparked debate, with some questioning why a woman was not chosen to lead the premier women’s golf organization.
Tomorrow Golf League Updates
The Tomorrow Golf League