The week of November 3–9 delivered high drama across the major tours as the 2025 season neared its conclusion. Ben Griffin triumphed on the PGA Tour, Aaron Rai edged Tommy Fleetwood in a playoff on the DP World Tour, and Nasa Hataoka claimed the rain-shortened TOTO Japan Classic. Behind the scenes, LIV Golf announced its most significant structural reform yet—expanding to 72 holes from 2026—in a clear bid for Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points.

Tour Recap

• PGA Tour: Ben Griffin captured the World Wide Technology Championship in Cabo San Lucas by one stroke, his third title of a breakout 2025 season featuring 11 top-10s and a Ryder Cup debut. The fall finale, the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, follows next week.
• DP World Tour: Aaron Rai won the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship (Rolex Series) in a playoff, locking his spot for the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai (Nov 13–16).
• LPGA Tour: Nasa Hataoka prevailed at the TOTO Japan Classic, winning a playoff at –15 after the event was shortened to 54 holes.
• Asian Tour: Yosuke Asaji won in playoff fashion as well, extending the global “playoff fever.”
• Challenge Tour: Season concluded the prior week with the Rolex Grand Final.
• PGA Tour Champions: Quiet week ahead of the Charles Schwab Cup Championship (Nov 13–16).

LIV Golf & OWGR Developments

LIV Golf wrapped its season and shifted focus to 2026 reforms. Its new 72-hole format marks a decisive step toward OWGR recognition and alignment with established tours. CEO Scott O’Neil confirmed “very close” progress with OWGR and revealed positive talks with new PGA Tour chief Brian Rolapp—hinting at thawing relations though no merger is planned. LIV also renewed its multi-year partnership with Trackman for broadcast tracking technology.

Emerging Stars

Besides Griffin’s surge, South Africa’s Casey Jarvis earned his maiden Sunshine Tour victory at The Hyundai Open. Thai amateur Fifa Laopakdee won the Asia-Pacific Amateur in Dubai, securing a 2026 Masters invite.

Summary

While traditional tours served the “appetizers” ahead of their season finales, LIV Golf focused on rewriting its playbook—transitioning from a 54-hole outsider to a 72-hole contender seeking full legitimacy within the global golf order.

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