The 2025 season is coming to an end with key decisions and moments shaping the world of professional golf.
Although golf is characterized by many constants, 2025 saw significant decisions mainly emerging in the LIV Golf League. Some developments indicated a rapprochement to the established tours. Changes were also notable on the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour.
LIV Golf’s Strategic and Personnel Shift
In January, a leadership change was announced for the LIV Golf League. American Scott O’Neil took over as CEO from Greg Norman, who initially planned to remain as advisor but stepped back in September. O’Neil, a seasoned sports executive, aims to lead LIV Golf into its next development phase, focusing on innovation and reach. He advocates a more conciliatory approach towards other golf leagues and envisions future collaborations with the Majors, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), and the PGA Tour.
In February, the R&A and USGA created new qualification pathways for LIV players for the Open Championship and the US Open. Under O’Neil’s leadership, rapprochement to the OWGR, which is pivotal for major qualification, became apparent by April. O’Neil and OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman were seen meeting at Augusta National Golf Club, marking the first institutional contact since LIV’s unsuccessful OWGR application. This ongoing exclusion still disadvantages LIV players in major participation.
Implications for DP World Tour and Ryder Cup
LIV Golf’s decision to stop fines against the DP World Tour from 2026 will have wide-reaching effects. DP World Tour rules, upheld by courts, sanction members who compete in rival events without approval. Players like Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton could participate in the Ryder Cup and DP World Tour events this year without fines due to ongoing appeals. From 2026, players wishing to remain on the DP World Tour to maintain Ryder Cup eligibility will have to bear fines themselves, potentially weakening Europe’s team in Ireland 2027.
Format Revolution: LIV Extends to 72 Holes in 2026
The most profound change within LIV Golf this year is the extension of tournament play from three to four days in 2026. LIV tournaments will switch from the 54-hole format to the traditional 72-hole structure, typically from Thursday to Sunday, aligning with the PGA and DP World Tours. Since LIV’s founding, 54-hole events were standard as a break from golf traditions, reflected even in the name ‘LIV’ (Roman numeral for 54).
PGA Tour Leadership and Structural Changes
The PGA Tour announced significant changes in 2025. NFL executive Brian Rolapp will become PGA Tour CEO, succeeding Commissioner Jay Monahan, who plans to step down at