The 2025 season concludes with a review of groundbreaking decisions and moments shaping professional golf worldwide.
Although golf is known for its many constants, 2025 saw several profound decisions, especially within the LIV Golf League. These developments signal a growing alignment with established tours, alongside changes within the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour.
LIV Golf’s Strategic and Leadership Restructuring
In January, LIV Golf appointed American Scott O’Neil as its new CEO, taking over from Greg Norman, who initially planned to stay on as an advisor but stepped away in September. A seasoned sports executive, O’Neil aims to lead LIV Golf into its next phase, focusing on innovation and expanding reach. He advocates for a more conciliatory approach towards other golf leagues and open future collaborations with major tournaments, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), and the PGA Tour.
In February, the R&A and USGA introduced new qualification pathways for LIV golfers into the Open Championship and US Open. By April, signs of LIV Golf moving closer to the OWGR became evident, highlighted by a meeting between O’Neil and OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman at Augusta National Golf Club—the first meaningful interaction following a previous OWGR application denial for LIV. Despite progress, LIV players continue facing challenges qualifying for majors.
DP World Tour Sanctions and Tournament Format Changes
LIV Golf’s decision to cease sanction payments to the DP World Tour from 2026 could lead to significant repercussions. DP World Tour rules, upheld by courts, penalize players participating in competing events without approval. Notably, players Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton competed in the 2025 Ryder Cup and DP World Tour events without penalties, pending ongoing appeals. From 2026, players wishing to remain members for events like the Ryder Cup may have to bear financial sanctions themselves, potentially weakening the European team for the 2027 event in Ireland.
The most substantial change announced by LIV Golf is extending its tournament format from 54 to 72 holes starting in 2026. This transition aligns LIV’s events with traditional four-day tournaments, typically held Thursday through Sunday, mirroring formats on the PGA and DP World Tours. Previously, LIV’s three-day events reflected their intent to innovate and diverge from golf traditions, even reflected in their name, with ‘LIV’ representing the Roman numeral for 54.
Transformations Across PGA and LPGA Tours
The PGA Tour also announced notable changes in 2025, appointing NFL executive Brian Rolapp as CEO, succeeding Commissioner Jay Monahan, who plans to retire at the end of 2026. This new leadership model separates the commissioner role, establishing a CEO to steer business operations, including the 2024-established PGA Tour Enterprises focused on revenue growth. Rolapp’s expertise in media rights, marketing, and digital strategy is considered crucial for the Tour’s future.
Similarly, the LPGA Tour saw Craig Kessler, a Topgolf veteran, replace Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaa in May. Kessler, previously an LPGA board member, brings extensive sports and entertainment industry experience. His appointment sparked debate about the absence of a female commissioner in a women’s golf organization.
Additionally, the Tomorrow Golf League (