The 2025 season is ending, reflecting on the most impactful decisions and moments in professional golf.
Although golf is often marked by many constants, 2025 saw several profound decisions, especially within the LIV Golf League. Some choices by LIV Golf indicated an approaching alignment with established tours. Changes were also evident in the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour.
LIV Golf’s Personnel and Strategic Restructuring
In January, a leadership change was announced at LIV Golf. American Scott O’Neil took over as the new CEO of the 2021-founded league from Greg Norman, who initially planned to remain as an advisor but retired from the business in September. Sports executive Scott O’Neil, with decades of professional sports experience, vowed to lead LIV Golf into its next phase, combining innovation with reach. O’Neil promotes a more conciliatory approach toward other golf leagues and intends to pursue future collaborations with the Majors, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), and the PGA Tour.
In February, R&A and USGA created new qualifying opportunities for LIV golfers for the Open Championship and the US Open majors. By April, an approach toward the OWGR, which is used for most major qualifications, became apparent under O’Neil. O’Neil and OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman were seen conversing at Augusta National Golf Club, marking the first contact since LIV Golf’s rejected OWGR application, which still limits LIV players’ major participation.
Impact of Penalty Payments: DP World Tour and Ryder Cup
LIV Golf’s decision to cease penalty payments to the DP World Tour from 2026 will have major consequences for golf worldwide. The DP World Tour rules and courts confirmed sanctions against members participating in rival events without permission. LIV players Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton could still compete penalty-free in 2025 at the Ryder Cup and DP World Tour events due to ongoing appeals. Players remaining on the DP World Tour aiming for future Ryder Cup participation must assume financial penalties from 2026, possibly weakening the European team at the 2027 event in Ireland.
A major change announced by LIV Golf was the expansion from a 54-hole three-day to a 72-hole four-day tournament format starting in 2026. This aligns LIV events with the traditional Thursday-to-Sunday schedule of the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. Since its inception, LIV tournaments were only three days, reflecting its break from golf traditions and even reflected in its name—LIV representing Roman numerals for 54.
PGA Tour Leadership Changes and New Directions
The PGA Tour revealed changes as well in