The 2025 season wraps up with a review of pivotal decisions and moments shaping professional golf’s future.
Although golf is a sport marked by many constants, 2025 brought some profound decisions, especially within the LIV Golf League. Several moves by LIV Golf indicated a rapprochement with established tours. Changes also emerged in the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour.
LIV Golf’s Strategic and Personnel Shift
In January, a leadership change at LIV Golf was announced. American Scott O’Neil took over as CEO from Greg Norman, founder in 2021, who initially planned to remain in an advisory role but withdrew in September. O’Neil, with extensive pro sports management experience, aims to lead LIV Golf into a new growth phase emphasizing innovation and reach. He also advocates a more conciliatory approach with other golf leagues and is open to future cooperation with the Majors, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), and the PGA Tour.
In February, the R&A and USGA created new qualification avenues for LIV players for the Open Championship and US Open majors. By April, signs of alignment with OWGR—critical for major qualifications—emerged under CEO O’Neil. O’Neil and OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman were seen together at Augusta National, marking the first dialogue since LIV’s OWGR application was denied, which still limits LIV players’ major participation.
Impact of Penalty Fees and Format Changes
LIV Golf’s 2026 decision to cease penalty payments to the DP World Tour will significantly impact golf. DP World Tour rules, legally upheld, sanction members competing in rival events without approval. LIV players Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton competed penalty-free in 2025 amid ongoing appeals. Members wishing to remain eligible for events like the Ryder Cup may face financial sanctions from 2026, possibly weakening Europe’s team in 2027.
Another landmark decision is expanding LIV tournaments in 2026 from three to four days (72 holes instead of 54), aligning with PGA and DP World Tour norms. Previously, LIV events were three-day affairs to break golf traditions, reflected even in its Roman numeral-inspired name LIV (54).
Changes in PGA and LPGA Tours and the Rise of Tomorrow Golf League
Meanwhile, the PGA Tour announced leadership changes with NFL executive Brian Rolapp named CEO, replacing long-serving Commissioner Jay Monahan by late 2026. This restructuring includes the 2024 launch of PGA Tour Enterprises aimed at new revenue streams. Rolapp’s media, marketing, and digital expertise signals a future-focused strategy.
On the LPGA side, Craig Kessler replaced Mollie Marcoux Samaa as Commissioner in May, bringing extensive sports and entertainment experience. This sparked