The 2025 season is ending, highlighting key decisions and moments in professional golf.
While golf is often defined by tradition, 2025 saw significant changes, especially in the LIV Golf League. Several moves signaled closer ties to established tours, alongside notable shifts in the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour.
LIV Golf’s Strategic and Personnel Overhaul
In January, LIV Golf welcomed Scott O’Neil as its new CEO, succeeding Greg Norman who initially stayed on as advisor before stepping away in September. O’Neil, a seasoned sports executive, aims to steer LIV Golf into a new phase focused on innovation and broader reach. He advocates for a conciliatory approach with other golf organizations and remains open to collaborations with the Majors, Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), and the PGA Tour.
By February, the R&A and USGA introduced new qualifying avenues for LIV players at the Open Championship and US Open. In April, O’Neil met with OWGR Chairman Trevor Immelman at Augusta National Golf Club, marking a historic dialogue since LIV’s OWGR application was rejected. Though LIV players still face challenges entering majors, this represented a softening stance.
Impact of Penalty Payments on DP World Tour and Ryder Cup
LIV Golf’s 2026 decision to cease penalty payments to the DP World Tour will have broad implications. DP World Tour rules mandate sanctions for members playing unauthorized events, upheld by legal rulings. Players like Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton competed without penalties this year, pending appeals. From 2026, players wishing to remain DP World Tour members, and be Ryder Cup eligible, will bear financial penalties themselves, potentially weakening Europe’s 2027 Ryder Cup team.
Format Revolution: LIV Extends Tournaments to 72 Holes
The most profound change in LIV Golf saw its event format expanded from three to four days in 2026. Moving from a 54-hole to a 72-hole format aligns LIV with the PGA and DP World Tours, hosting tournaments Thursday through Sunday. The original three-day, 54-hole format was part of LIV’s attempt to break golfing traditions, reflected in its Roman numeral name LIV meaning 54.
PGA Tour Changes: NFL Executive Brian Rolapp Takes Charge
The PGA Tour also announced shifts in 2025, appointing NFL executive Brian Rolapp as CEO, set to replace Commissioner Jay Monahan by late 2026. The CEO role follows organizational restructuring including the creation of PGA Tour Enterprises in 2024, aimed at revenue generation. Rolapp’s expertise in media rights, marketing, and digital strategy is expected to shape the tour’s future.
LPGA Tour’s New Commissioner and Emerging Debate
The LPGA Tour named Craig Kessler, a former Topgolf executive, as Commissioner in May, succeeding Mollie Marcoux Samaa. Kessler had served on the LPGA board prior and brings extensive sports and entertainment experience. His appointment sparked discussions about why a woman was not chosen to lead the women’s golf organization.
Tomorrow Golf League’s Second Season and New Schedule
The Tomorrow Golf League (TGL), launched by Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Mike McCarley in partnership with the PGA