The LIV Golf League officially kicked off its 2025 season on Thursday, hosting events under the lights at Riyadh Golf Club, Saudi Arabia. This season introduces exciting changes, particularly for its players as the US Open becomes the first major championship to extend exemptions to LIV golfers.
This partnership opens the door for new opportunities within professional golf, marking the USGA's initiative to create pathways for those playing at the highest levels across various tours. Scott O’Neil, CEO of LIV Golf, expressed satisfaction with the move. He stated, “We’re pleased the USGA has formally created a new exemption for LIV Golf players to compete in the U.S. Open.”
According to the USGA's announcement, the highest-ranked LIV player not already qualified will secure one spot for the US Open at Oakmont Country Club from June 12-15, 2025. This exemption will increase to two players by the following year. John Bodenhamer, USGA chief championships officer, emphasized the importance of recognizing talent across professional tours to maintain the integrity of the championship. “We continuously evaluate talent levels on professional tours and amateur events,” he said.
The 2025 LIV Golf season also marks the league's debut on network television, with FOX Sports taking on live coverage. Several events will air on FS1 and FS2, with regular appearances on the main FOX channel during weekends of U.S.-based events. According to SI.com, LIV Golf's streaming service, LIV Golf+, is transitioning to a paid platform, which will allow for broader reach and fan interaction.
Among the new changes introduced this year is LIV's team format where all four scores will contribute to each team’s total, enhancing competitive dynamics and fostering team unity. LIV golfers now have elevated stakes beyond just monetary rewards, as the pressure mounts to perform at their best—not only for personal accolades but also for potential qualification for one of golf’s majors.
While last year saw big names shift to LIV golf, this season appears to focus on nurturing younger talent rather than high-profile signings. The roster has welcomed newcomers Tom McKibbin, Yubin Jang, and others, emphasizing growth within its ranks.
The change of pace and collaborations bode well for the future. The introduction of LIV Golf’s campaign “Long LIV Golf,” which promotes the league as more than just another tour, encapsulates its vision as it aims to become woven within the fabric of global golf culture. The campaign was launched alongside LIV's season, featuring prominent figures and hopes to inspire the golf community.
Negotiations continue with the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour, as expectations rise for fostering cooperation among circuits. LIV continues to seek mutual benefits, aiming to reshape the elite golfing experience moving forward.
With the finalized exemption structures, the shifts within rival leagues seem to spark new discussions about the future of golf, particularly as LIV Golf works to establish itself alongside traditional tours. It’s clear this season marks significant milestones not only for LIV but for the sport as a whole, moving toward more inclusive arenas at some of golf’s most celebrated events. LIV Golf's commitment to the evolution of the sport could redefine its standing among professional golf circles.