The 2025 season concludes with a look at the most pivotal decisions and moments in professional golf.
Although golf is characterized by many constants, 2025 brought some profound decisions, especially within the LIV Golf League. Some of LIV Golf’s decisions indicated a rapprochement with established tours, with changes also emerging within the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour.
LIV Golf Reshapes Leadership and Strategy
In January, a leadership change at LIV Golf was announced. American Scott O’Neil took over as the new CEO of the golf league founded in 2021, succeeding Greg Norman, who initially intended to stay on as an advisor but withdrew in September. With decades of professional sports management experience, O’Neil aims to lead LIV Golf into its next development phase, focusing on innovation and reach. He also advocates a more conciliatory approach toward other golf leagues and does not rule out future collaborations with the majors, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), and the PGA Tour.
In February, the R&A and USGA established new qualification opportunities for LIV golfers for two major tournaments, The Open Championship and the US Open. A rapprochement with the OWGR, which is used for most major qualifications, also emerged under CEO Scott O’Neil in April. O’Neil and OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman were seen together at Augusta National Golf Club for the first time since LIV Golf’s OWGR application was rejected, a decision that still limits LIV players’ participation in majors.
Impacts on DP World Tour and Ryder Cup: Penalty Changes
LIV Golf’s decision to end penalty payments to the DP World Tour from the 2026 season will have far-reaching consequences. DP World Tour regulations mandate sanctions against members who participate in competing events without permission, a rule upheld by courts. LIV players Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton were still able to play in the Ryder Cup and DP World Tour events penalty-free this year pending appeals. Players wishing to remain DP World Tour members to compete in events like the Ryder Cup must assume financial penalties from 2026 onward, potentially weakening Europe’s team for the 2027 Ryder Cup in Ireland.
The most significant decision in LIV Golf this year was extending tournament formats from three to four days starting in 2026. LIV tournaments will shift from a 54-hole format to 72 holes, typically scheduled from Thursday to Sunday, aligning with PGA and DP World Tour practices. Since its inception, LIV Golf used three-day events to break from traditional golf conventions, symbolized by its name LIV—Roman numeral for 54.
Changes in PGA and LPGA Tours
The PGA Tour also announced significant changes in 2025. NFL executive Brian Rolapp will become the PGA Tour’s CEO, succeeding Commissioner Jay Monahan, who plans to step down at the end of 2026. While the commissioner previously served as the chief policy board member and tour representative, restructuring established the CEO role and launched PGA Tour Enterprises in 2024 to generate additional revenue. Rolapp brings deep expertise in media rights, marketing, and digital strategy—key areas for the tour’s future.
The LPGA Tour appointed a new commissioner, Craig Kessler, formerly of Topgolf, in May. K