The report summarizes the major developments in professional golf at the end of 2025. Central topics include the ongoing rivalry between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, as well as LIV’s decisive format change beginning in 2026. Key tournament results are also highlighted, including Adam Schenk’s victory in Bermuda, Matt Fitzpatrick’s playoff win in Dubai, and Nelly Korda’s dominant LPGA season.

LIV’s Move to 72 HolesStarting in 2026, all 13 individual LIV events will be played over 72 holes. This shift is viewed as a strategic attempt to increase legitimacy and finally secure OWGR recognition. The adjustment aligns LIV more closely with global 72-hole stroke-play standards while maintaining shotgun starts and full team scoring.

OWGR ImpactThe format change directly addresses a core OWGR criticism: 54-hole events did not meet the criteria for maximum ranking points. With 72 holes, a LIV event could theoretically award up to 24 points, similar to established tours. This would be crucial for players such as Rahm and DeChambeau, whose rankings have declined sharply without points. The new OWGR Chairman, Trevor Immelman, may play a key role in evaluating these changes.

Despite the improvement, structural issues remain: no cuts, a fixed 48-player field, and a retained team component. These factors still diverge from the open, merit-based systems used by major tours. Rory McIlroy called the change a “cool update” but doubts it fully resolves the OWGR challenge.

Effect on Possible PGA–LIV IntegrationThe format shift occurs while negotiations between the PGA Tour and PIF remain completely stalled. Since the 2023 framework agreement, no progress has been made. The PGA Tour continues to reject any model that allows LIV to remain a standalone league. The move to 72 holes is seen as a gesture of concession, but the “souls” of the tours remain far apart: individual merit vs. team spectacle, performance-based earnings vs. guaranteed contracts.

Impact of Major Tour Wins on Status and LegacyTour victories continue to play a major role in shaping careers:

• Adam Schenk’s win in Bermuda earned him a two-year PGA Tour exemption and entry into Signature Events, The Players, and the PGA Championship.
• Nelly Korda’s third win of the season strengthened her lead in the Race to CME Globe.
• Matt Fitzpatrick’s playoff win over McIlroy in Dubai was described as a “legacy-defining moment.” McIlroy simultaneously secured his seventh Race to Dubai title, surpassing Seve Ballesteros.

Future Structure of Professional GolfThe ongoing stalemate between the PGA Tour and PIF reinforces a fragmented golf landscape, with parallel schedules, divided player pools, and fewer direct head-to-head matchups. LIV’s structural changes narrow the gap but do not resolve governance issues required for full unification. Analysts expect a hybrid system to persist for now.

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