• Loading stock data...
Friday, October 10, 2025
One week until Asset Class at the NYSE Request to Attend

Can New CEOs at LIV Golf, PGA of America Heal Golf’s Divide?

There are new CEOs at both the PGA of America and LIV Golf. While they might not be able to completely solve golf’s divide, they are talking.

Adam Cairns-Imagn Images

ORLANDO — Men’s professional golf is set to remain divided in 2025 as LIV Golf continues to upend the sport, but discussions are happening between new leaders in the game.

PGA of America CEO Derek Sprague, who is in his first week on the job, says he will “absolutely” be speaking with Scott O’Neil, the newly named CEO of LIV Golf

“He’s already reached out to me, in email,” Sprague told Front Office Sports at the 2025 PGA Show in Orlando. “We’re going to try to get together. We have so much new leadership in the golf ecosystem today. So, looking to meet with all of them, including Scott from LIV Golf.”

This week, Sprague formally replaced Seth Waugh at the PGA of America, one of golf’s governing bodies that is separate from the PGA Tour but oversees one men’s major, the PGA Championship, and the U.S. operations of the Ryder Cup. Last week, O’Neil took over the reins from Greg Norman at LIV. There are also relatively new chief executives at the DP World Tour (European Tour) and the R&A, while the LPGA is searching for a new commissioner.

The PGA Tour continues to negotiate with LIV’s financial backers at the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. But unlike the PGA Tour, LIV Golfers are not banned from competing in PGA of America–operated events. In 2023, Brooks Koepka, a LIV player, won the PGA Championship.

For Sprague, conversations with LIV’s new CEO will be accompanied by talks with other leaders in golf, like top executives at Augusta National, the USGA, and R&A.

“Working with the other major championships to make sure that on the spectator side we can build unity there,” Sprague says of his goal. “It’s been a little divisive in the last couple years. And as recreational golf is booming, the fans have been disenchanted with all the talk about money in the professional game.”

Pay for Play?

Another controversial issue involving more money in men’s golf is the PGA of America’s decision to begin paying players on the U.S. Ryder Cup team a $200,000 stipend, in addition to an increase in money for charity.

Since 1999, American Ryder Cup players have received $200,000 to allocate to a charity of their choice. This year, that will increase to $300,000, and they will also receive an additional $200,000 that they keep or donate.

“Would I like them to play for just the flag, so to speak? Absolutely,” Sprague says. “But, at the end of the day, they are giving up a week. They are coming and playing this great event.” 

The Ryder Cup is a moneymaking mission. NBC pays the PGA of America $55 million for the U.S. media rights to each edition of the biennial team event, as part of a $440 million deal running through the 2031 edition. Meanwhile, the cheapest tickets for this September’s Ryder Cup in New York started at $750—and sold out in no time.

“When you take it over a 25-year period, to go from $200,000 to $500,000, I didn’t make a lot of it,” Sprague says of the stipend increase.

Charities could still be the big winners of the changes—U.S. team captain Keegan Bradley has already said he will donate all of his $200,000. “Hopefully some other players will follow suit,” Sprague says.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jul 17, 2025; Portrush, IRL; Jason Day hits a shot on the 18th hole during the first round of The 153rd Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Portrush.

Flashy Golf Apparel Brand Malbon Notches $28 Million Raise

Jason Day famously wore the brand at the last two Masters Tournaments.

Amazon Adds Golf to Its Packed Black Friday Sports Lineup With NFL,..

On Nov. 28, The Skins Game will return for the first time since 2008.
[US, Mexico, & Canada customers only] Mar 16, 2025; Singapore, SINGAPORE; Joaquin Niemann in action during the final round of LIV Golf Singapore at Sentosa Golf Club.

LIV Golf Lost $461M in Non-U.S. Operations in 2024

Public financial filings were released this week in the U.K.
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Sep 27, 2025; Bethpage, New York, USA; Team Europe's Matt Fitzpatrick celebrates with Tyrrell Hatton after holing his putt to win the hole on the 9th hole during the four-balls on the second day of competition for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.

Ryder Cup Fallout Continues As PGA of America Leaders Take Heat

European players are still not happy with the fan behavior.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
Aug 3, 2024; Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France; NBA commissioner Adam Silver talks to International Basketball Federation board member Mark Tatum in the fourth quarter between the United States and Puerto Rico during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

NBA Aims for Drama-Free Return to China After 6-Year Hiatus

The league looks to rebuild its presence in the populous country.
Mar 15, 2025; Buffalo, New York, USA; Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) reacts after scoring a goal during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center.
October 8, 2025

How Connor McDavid’s Extension Set Off a Wave of Big-Money Deals

Several notable contracts are completed in the wake of the superstar’s deal.
Bad Bunny performs on stage for his “Most Wanted Tour” at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, May 11, 2024.
October 9, 2025

Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA to Run Alternate Super Bowl Halftime Show

Group announces “The All-American Halftime Show” on Feb. 8.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Alexis Ohanian
October 8, 2025

Alexis Ohanian Tweaks Track Rivals With Promise of Instant Payments

Athletes will be paid minutes after finishing their races at Athlos.
exclusive
October 8, 2025

Bud Selig: ‘Remarkable’ Brewers Run Can’t Mask MLB’s Money Divide

The former commissioner lauds his hometown team while raising economic concerns.
October 8, 2025

MLB’s Rare October Day: Four Playoff Games, Four Possible Clinchers

Four separate clinching opportunities are available during the day.
October 7, 2025

‘Absolutely Ridiculous’: Trump Blasts NFL Over Bad Bunny Choice

The president predictably panned the NFL’s selection of the Puerto Rican superstar.