The 2025 season wraps up with a review of the most pivotal decisions and moments in professional golf.
While golf is often marked by many constants, 2025 saw several profound decisions, especially within the LIV Golf League. Some of LIV Golf’s moves signaled a rapprochement with established tours, and changes were also seen in the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour.
LIV Golf’s Strategic and Leadership Shift
In January, a leadership change occurred at LIV Golf. American Scott O’Neil took over as CEO from Greg Norman, who initially planned to stay on as an advisor but stepped back from the business by September. O’Neil, a seasoned sports executive, aims to lead LIV Golf into its next phase with innovation and broader outreach. He supports a more conciliatory approach towards other golf leagues and seeks future cooperation with the Majors, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), and the PGA Tour.
February brought new qualification options for LIV golfers to the Open Championship and US Open, created by the R&A and USGA. In April, O’Neil and OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman met at Augusta National, marking the first dialogue between these institutions since LIV Golf’s OWGR application was rejected—a hurdle still affecting LIV players’ eligibility for majors.
Impact on DP World Tour and Ryder Cup
LIV Golf’s decision to end penalty payments to the DP World Tour from 2026 onward is significant. The DP World Tour rules and courts have confirmed sanctions for members who compete in unauthorized rival events. This year, LIV players Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton participated in the Ryder Cup and DP World Tour without penalties pending an appeals decision. Players wishing to remain DP World Tour members—and thus eligible for events like the Ryder Cup—will be responsible for their own financial sanctions from 2026, potentially weakening the European team for the 2027 Ryder Cup in Ireland.
Format Revolution: LIV Expands to 72 Holes in 2026
The most transformative LIV Golf decision in 2025 was increasing tournament length from three to four days starting in 2026. LIV events will shift from the 54-hole format to the traditional 72 holes, usually played Thursday through Sunday, aligning with the PGA Tour and DP World Tour schedules. Since inception, LIV’s three-day format was part of its disruptive identity, reflected even in its Roman numeral name LIV representing 54.
PGA Tour Leadership and Structural Changes
The PGA Tour introduced changes in 2025 as Brian Rolapp, a top NFL executive, was appointed as its new CEO, replacing Commissioner Jay Monahan by end of 2026. Previously, the commissioner was the highest Policy Board authority and the Tour’s public face. The Tour now has a CEO role, and PGA Tour Enterprises, founded in 2024, will generate additional revenues under Rolapp’s leadership. Rolapp brings deep expertise in media rights, marketing, and digital strategy, key focus areas for the Tour’s future.
LPGA Tour’s New Commissioner and Dialogue
In May, Craig Kessler, long involved with Topgolf and an LPGA board member, succeeded Mollie Marcoux Samaa as LPGA Commissioner. Kessler