The 2025 season concludes with a review of the most pivotal decisions and moments in professional golf.
Although golf is characterized by many constants, 2025 saw some profound decisions, especially within the LIV Golf League. Some of these decisions indicated a rapprochement with the established tours. Changes were also evident in the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour.
LIV Golf’s New Leadership and Strategic Direction
In January, a leadership change was announced in the LIV Golf League. American Scott O’Neil took over as CEO from Greg Norman, who initially planned to stay as an advisor but stepped back in September. With decades of professional sports management experience, O’Neil aims to lead LIV Golf into its next phase, focusing on innovation and broader reach. He advocates a more conciliatory approach towards other golf leagues and envisions future collaboration 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 golfers to enter the Open Championship and US Open majors. Under O’Neil’s leadership, a closer relationship with the OWGR began to emerge in April, marked by a meeting at Augusta National Golf Club between O’Neil and OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman — the first dialogue since LIV Golf’s rejected OWGR application, which still disadvantages LIV players regarding major entries.
Impacts on DP World Tour and Ryder Cup
LIV Golf’s decision to stop financial penalties against DP World Tour members from 2026 onward carries significant implications. DP World Tour regulations, upheld by courts, sanction members who compete in unauthorized events. This year, LIV players Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton participated in the Ryder Cup and DP World Tour without fines, pending appeals. From 2026, players wanting to remain DP World Tour members, for Ryder Cup eligibility, will face personal financial risks, potentially weakening Europe’s 2027 Ryder Cup team in Ireland.
Format Revolution: LIV Extends to 72 Holes in 2026
The most groundbreaking change by LIV Golf is expanding tournament play from three to four days starting in 2026, shifting from 54-hole events to 72 holes. Tournaments will typically run Thursday to Sunday, aligning with PGA and DP World Tour standards. Since its inception, LIV tournaments used a three-day format as part of its concept to break golfing traditions, reflected even in its name — LIV representing Roman numeral 54.
Transformations in the PGA Tour Leadership
The PGA Tour also announced changes in 2025. Brian