The 2025 season nears its end as we look back on the most pivotal decisions and moments in professional golf.
Although golf is marked by many constants, 2025 saw some profound decisions, especially within the LIV Golf League. Several decisions at LIV Golf hinted at rapprochement with established tours, while changes also emerged on the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour.
LIV Golf Undergoes Strategic and Personnel Changes
In January, a leadership change at the LIV Golf League was announced. American Scott O’Neil took over as CEO from Greg Norman, who initially planned to remain as an advisor but stepped back from the business in September. With decades of professional sports experience, O’Neil declared an intent to lead LIV Golf into its next phase, emphasizing innovation and reach. He also advocates a more conciliatory approach toward other golf leagues, open to future collaborations with the Majors, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), and the PGA Tour.
In February, the R&A and USGA introduced new qualification paths for LIV golfers to participate in the Open Championship and the US Open. Signs of rapprochement to the OWGR—critical for most Major qualifications—also surfaced under CEO O’Neil in April, highlighted by his meeting with OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman at Augusta National Golf Club. This was the first such engagement since LIV Golf’s OWGR application was denied, which continues to disadvantage LIV players in gaining Major entries.
Penalties and Their Impact on DP World Tour and Ryder Cup
LIV Golf’s decision to cease penalty payments to the DP World Tour starting in 2026 will have far-reaching consequences. The DP World Tour’s regulations, upheld by courts, sanction members participating in conflicting events without approval. LIV players Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton competed in the Ryder Cup and on the DP World Tour this year without paying penalties, as their exclusion appeals are ongoing. However, players wishing to remain DP World Tour members to compete in future Ryder Cups will be responsible for their own financial penalties from 2026 onwards, potentially weakening the European team for the 2027 event in Ireland.
Format Revolution: LIV Extends to 72 Holes from 2026
The most profound decision within LIV Golf this year was extending tournament format from three to four days for the 2026 season. LIV events will move from the 54-hole format to the traditional 72 holes, generally running Thursday to Sunday, aligning with the PGA and DP World Tour schedules. Since its inception, LIV tournaments lasted three days, reflecting its disruptive identity—LIV being Roman numerals for 54.
PGA Tour in Transition: Brian Rolapp at the Helm
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