The 2025 season is ending, highlighting key decisions and moments that shaped professional golf worldwide.
Although golf is often defined by many constants, 2025 brought significant decisions, especially within the LIV Golf League. Several moves indicated LIV Golf’s approach toward established tours, with changes also emerging in the PGA and LPGA Tours.
LIV Golf’s New Leadership and Strategy
In January, a leadership change in LIV Golf took place as American Scott O’Neil succeeded Greg Norman as CEO. O’Neil, an experienced sports manager, aims to propel LIV Golf into its next stage with innovation and expanded reach. He also emphasized a more conciliatory approach toward other golf leagues and hinted at future cooperation with Majors, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), and the PGA Tour.
New qualification paths for LIV players to compete in major tournaments like the Open Championship and the US Open were introduced by the R&A and USGA in February. In April, O’Neil and OWGR Chairman Trevor Immelman met at Augusta National, marking a thaw in relations despite LIV Golf’s earlier OWGR application rejection, which still limits LIV players’ Major participation.
Impact on DP World Tour and Ryder Cup Penalties
LIV Golf’s 2026 decision to stop paying penalties to the DP World Tour could have significant implications. DP World Tour rules, supported by court rulings, sanction members who play unauthorized events. Players Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton competed penalty-free in 2025 due to ongoing appeals, but from 2026 onwards, those wishing to remain DP World Tour members—and eligible for events like the Ryder Cup—must personally bear penalties. This may weaken the European Ryder Cup team in Ireland 2027.
Format Revolution: LIV Expands to 72 Holes from 2026
The most profound LIV Golf decision was to extend tournaments from a 54-hole (three-day) format to a 72-hole (four-day) structure starting in 2026. Events will generally run Thursday to Sunday, aligning with PGA and DP World Tour schedules. This shift moves away from LIV’s original concept designed to break golf traditions, reflected in its name ‘LIV’ representing Roman numeral 54.
PGA Tour’s Transition: Brian Rolapp as CEO
The PGA Tour announced leadership changes with former NFL executive Brian Rolapp taking over as CEO, replacing Commissioner Jay Monahan, who will step down by the end of 2026. This restructuring introduces a CEO role to drive the Tour’s strategy and revenue generation through PGA Tour Enterprises, established in 2024. Rolapp brings expertise in media rights, marketing, and digital strategies pivotal for the Tour’s future.
LPGA Tour Coaching Shift and Emerging Debate
Craig Kessler, formerly Topgolf’s sports manager and LPGA board member, succeeded Mollie Marcoux Samaa as LPGA Commissioner in May. Kessler’s appointment sparked discussion among fans and analysts about why a woman was not chosen to lead an organization representing women’s golf.
Tomorrow Golf League: Expanded Schedule for Fans
The Tomorrow Golf League (TGL), founded by Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Mike McCarley in