The 2025 season ends with landmark decisions and moments in professional golf that could reshape the sport’s future.
While golf is known for many constants, 2025 brought significant decisions, especially within the LIV Golf League. These moves hinted at LIV Golf moving closer to established tours, alongside changes in the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour.
LIV Golf’s Strategic and Personnel Overhaul
In January, Scott O’Neil became the new CEO of LIV Golf, taking over from Greg Norman, who stepped back in September. O’Neil, a seasoned sports executive, aims to lead LIV Golf into a new phase focused on innovation and broader reach. He advocates for a more cooperative approach with other golf circuits and hinted at future partnerships with the Majors, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), and the PGA Tour.
In February, the R&A and USGA created new qualifying pathways for LIV golfers to major tournaments like The Open Championship and the US Open. O’Neil’s April talks with OWGR Chairman Trevor Immelman at Augusta National signaled thawing relations, although LIV Golf players still face challenges qualifying under the OWGR system.
Penalties Impacting DP World Tour and Ryder Cup
LIV Golf’s decision to cease penalty payments to the DP World Tour from 2026 onward carries major implications. The DP World Tour rules, upheld by courts, sanction members competing in unauthorized events. Players like Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton participated in the Ryder Cup and DP World Tour events penalty-free this year due to ongoing appeals. From 2026, players wishing to remain DP World Tour members and compete in events like the Ryder Cup must bear financial penalties themselves, potentially weakening the European team at the 2027 Ryder Cup in Ireland.
Format Revolution: LIV Expands to 72 Holes in 2026
The most profound decision for LIV Golf was extending its tournament format from three to four days for 2026. LIV events will transition from their original 54-hole format to standard 72 holes, typically running Thursday through Sunday, aligning with PGA and DP World Tour schedules. This shift marks a move away from LIV Golf’s initial concept of breaking golfing traditions, reflected in the league’s Roman numeral name LIV (54).
PGA Tour Changes: Brian Rolapp Takes Helm
The PGA Tour also announced major changes in 2025. Brian Rolapp, a top executive from the NFL, will become CEO, succeeding Commissioner Jay Monahan, who plans to depart at the end of 2026. The commissioner’s traditional role as the top decision-maker is evolving, with the PGA Tour Enterprises, formed in 2024, focusing on revenue generation under Rolapp’s leadership. Rolapp brings expertise in media rights, marketing, and digital strategy, key focuses for the tour’s future.
LPGA Tour’s New Commissioner and Emerging Debate
In the LPGA Tour, Craig Kessler replaced Mollie Marcoux Samaa as commissioner in May. Kessler, formerly a Topgolf executive and LPGA board member, brings extensive sports and entertainment experience. His appointment sparked debate among fans questioning why a woman was not chosen to lead an organization representing women’s golf.