The 2025 season is ending, highlighting groundbreaking decisions and moments in professional golf.
Although golf is a sport marked by many constants, 2025 saw several profound decisions, especially within the LIV Golf League. Some decisions at LIV Golf indicated a rapprochement to the established tours. Changes also emerged within the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour.
LIV Golf’s Strategic and Personnel Reshuffle
In January, a leadership change at LIV Golf was announced. American Scott O’Neil took over as CEO of the golf league founded in 2021 from Greg Norman, who initially remained as advisor but stepped away in September. With decades of professional sports management experience, O’Neil aims to lead LIV Golf into its next development phase, combining innovation and reach. He also advocates a more conciliatory approach to other golf leagues and envisions 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 opportunities for LIV golfers for two majors: the Open Championship and the US Open. A move toward OWGR, which heavily influences major qualifications, also became apparent under CEO Scott O’Neil in April. O’Neil and OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman were seen meeting at Augusta National Golf Club—the first engagement since LIV’s rejected OWGR application, which still disadvantages LIV players in major participation.
Penalties: Impact on DP World Tour and Ryder Cup
LIV Golf’s decision to cease fines against the DP World Tour starting 2026 will have significant golf world implications. DP World Tour rules and court rulings enforce sanctions on members competing in unauthorized events. LIV players Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton participated in the Ryder Cup and DP World Tour this year without fines as legal appeals are ongoing. From 2026, players remaining DP World Tour members who join competing events must bear financial penalties themselves, potentially weakening Europe’s Ryder Cup team in Ireland in 2027.
Format Revolution: LIV Expands to 72 Holes in 2026
The most significant LIV Golf decision this year was extending its tournaments from three to four days for the 2026 season. LIV events will no longer be played over a 54-hole format but will shift to 72 holes, typically running Thursday through Sunday, aligning with PGA and DP World Tours. Since its inception, LIV tournaments featured three-day formats as part of breaking golf traditions, even reflected in their name, LIV representing the Roman numeral 54.
PGA Tour’s Evolution: Brian Rolapp Takes the Helm
The PGA Tour also announced changes during 2025. Brian Rolapp, a top NFL executive, assumed the CEO role, succeeding long-time Commissioner Jay Monahan, who