The 2025 season is ending, highlighting pivotal decisions and moments in professional golf’s evolution.
Although golf is a sport often characterized by tradition, 2025 saw significant decisions, especially within the LIV Golf League. Some moves by LIV Golf indicated a closer alignment with established tours, while the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour also underwent notable changes.
LIV Golf’s Strategic and Leadership Shift
In January, Scott O’Neil took over as CEO of LIV Golf from Greg Norman, who stepped back in September after initially planning to remain as an advisor. O’Neil, a seasoned sports executive, plans to steer LIV Golf into its next phase, focusing on innovation and broader reach. He advocates for a more conciliatory approach toward other golf 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 established new qualifying routes for LIV golfers to enter the Open Championship and the US Open. In April, a sign of rapprochement occurred when O’Neil met with Trevor Immelman, OWGR chairman, at Augusta National Golf Club. Despite this meeting, LIV Golf’s rejected OWGR application still limits players’ access to Majors.
Significant Changes in Tournament Formats and Tours
LIV Golf announced that starting in 2026, it will cease penalty payments toward the DP World Tour for players competing in competing events without permission. This change could impact the Ryder Cup as DP World Tour members who wish to compete will bear financial penalties themselves, possibly weakening Team Europe in 2027.
The league also revolutionized its tournament format, expanding from 54 holes over three days to 72 holes spanning four days, matching formats used by PGA and DP World Tours. This shift marks a departure from LIV’s original concept, symbolized by its name reflecting the Roman numeral LIV for 54.
PGA and LPGA Tours: Leadership and Structural Changes
The PGA Tour announced Brian Rolapp, former NFL executive, will become CEO, succeeding Commissioner Jay Monahan who plans to retire at the end of 2026. This marks a structural change with an emphasis on media rights, marketing, and digital strategy, critical for the tour’s future. The PGA Tour Enterprises, established in 2024, will now generate revenue under Rolapp’s leadership.
The LPGA Tour appointed Craig Kessler, previously of Topgolf and an LPGA board member, as its new commissioner in May, replacing Mollie Marcoux Samaa. This appointment has sparked discussions about gender representation in leadership within the women’s golf organization.
Additionally, the Tomorrow Golf League (TGL), co-founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIl