LIV Golf announced a significant modification Tuesday, revealing that the league will transition from its current format of three-day, 54-hole competitions to the more conventional four-day, 72-hole tournaments, commencing with the 2026 season. This adjustment follows LIV Golf’s prior declaration that it was increasing the number of available positions in qualifying events with the aim of expanding the tour’s participant pool to 56 golfers, potentially accommodating a 14th team.
From its inception, LIV Golf has been pursuing recognition from the Official World Golf Rankings — a recognized authority and accreditation entity — so that its tournament results would contribute to players’ point accumulation. The OWGR has declined this request, pointing to the unusual 54-hole structure relative to the other tours it acknowledges.
By enlarging their participant capacities and extending tournaments to encompass 72 holes, LIV Golf seems to be addressing the prerequisites necessary for securing OWGR points approval, a pivotal move as the league prepares to engage in contract renegotiations with numerous prominent players whose original agreements are approaching expiration.
OWGR points serve as the primary route for golfers to gain entry into major championships, and consequently, LIV Golf participants have faced limited opportunities to accrue these points.
This shift also represents LIV Golf abandoning one of its distinctive selling points. At its founding, LIV Golf promoted a version of the sport that diverged from the PGA Tour in several aspects, with a shorter format being one of them.
This decision has received endorsement from LIV Golf’s leading figures, including Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau.
“This benefits both the league and its players,” Rahm stated. “LIV Golf is a league designed for players. We thrive on competition and desire every chance to compete at the highest level and hone our abilities. The progression to 72 holes is a sensible advancement that enhances the competitive atmosphere, presents a more comprehensive test, and judging by the growing attendance last season, delivers greater satisfaction to the fans.”
“Everyone is eager to witness the world’s elite golfers competing against one another, particularly in the majors, and for the overall betterment of the sport, we require a clear path forward,” DeChambeau commented. “By adopting 72 holes, LIV Golf is taking a forward-thinking approach to align with the established format acknowledged worldwide. This marks an exceptional advancement in the LIV Golf offering, demonstrating the league’s responsiveness and adaptability in crafting the optimal experience.”
LIV Golf tournaments will now commence on Thursdays, instead of Fridays, which aligns with the schedule of PGA Tour and DP World Tour events.
