The 2025 season is winding down as we review the most pivotal decisions and moments in professional golf.
Although golf is marked by many constants, 2025 saw several profound decisions, especially in the LIV Golf League. Some LIV Golf decisions indicated a rapprochement with established tours. Changes also emerged in the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour.
LIV Golf’s Strategic and Personnel Realignment
In January, LIV Golf witnessed a leadership change when American Scott O’Neil became the new CEO, taking over from Greg Norman, who initially intended to advise but stepped back in September. O’Neil, a seasoned sports executive, plans to lead LIV Golf into its next phase with innovation and expanded reach. He advocates a more conciliatory approach towards other tours and is open to 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. In April, O’Neil and OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman met at Augusta National Golf Club, marking the first rapprochement since LIV Golf’s OWGR application was rejected, which still limits LIV players’ Major participation.
Impact on DP World Tour and Ryder Cup Penalties
LIV Golf’s decision to cease penalty payments to the DP World Tour from 2026 will have wide-reaching consequences. DP World Tour rules, upheld legally, sanction members who play unauthorized competing events. This year, LIV players Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton participated in the Ryder Cup and DP World Tour without penalties, pending appeals. From 2026, players wishing to remain DP World Tour members, for potential Ryder Cup participation, will bear financial sanctions themselves, possibly weakening Europe’s team in the 2027 Ryder Cup in Ireland.
Revolutionizing Format: LIV Extends to 72 Holes in 2026
The most profound change in LIV Golf this year is the shift from a three-day to a four-day tournament format for the 2026 season. LIV events will move from the previous 54-hole format to a standard 72 holes, typically played Thursday through Sunday, aligning with the PGA and DP World Tours. From its inception, LIV Golf featured three-day tournaments to break golf traditions, reflected in its name ‘LIV,’ the Roman numeral for 54.
PGA Tour Transition: Brian Rolapp Takes Helm
The PGA Tour announced changes in 2025 including Brian Rolapp, a top NFL executive, becoming the new CEO, succeeding long-time Commissioner Jay Monahan, retiring end of 2026. Formerly the Commissioner was the highest-ranking Policy Board member representing the Tour, but restructuring led to appointing a CEO. Founded in 2024, PGA Tour Enterprises, headed by Rolapp, will generate additional revenue. Rolapp brings deep expertise in media rights, marketing, and digital strategy, central for the Tour’s future.
LPGA Tour Leadership Change and Debate
The LPGA Tour also saw leadership changes. Craig Kessler, a longtime Topgolf executive, replaced Mollie Marcoux Samaa as Commissioner in May. Already on the LPGA Board, Kess