LIV Golf to Expand to 72 Holes from 2026
LIV Golf, the Saudi Arabia-backed golf circuit, is set to make a significant change in its format. Starting in 2026, all LIV Golf events will be extended to 72 holes, aligning them more closely with traditional professional golf tours. This shift marks a major evolution for the league and could have wide-reaching implications for players, fans, and the broader golf landscape.
The LIV Golf tour was launched in 2022 with 54-hole events, a format that set it apart from other professional golf circuits. The name itself is derived from the Roman numeral for 54, “LIV.” However, this shorter format has also contributed to one of the league’s most notable challenges: players are not eligible for Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points. As a result, many top players on the LIV tour have seen their rankings drop significantly.
From 2026, LIV Golf events will be contested over four days, starting on Thursday of tournament weeks, with the exception of February’s LIV Golf Riyadh, which will begin on Wednesday. This change is expected to bring the league closer to the standard structure of major tournaments, offering players more opportunities to compete at a high level.
Two-time major champion Jon Rahm, who recently won his second consecutive LIV title, has welcomed the move. He said, “This is a win for the league, and the players.” Rahm emphasized that LIV Golf is a player-driven league, and he believes the expansion to 72 holes will enhance competition and provide more value to fans.
Dustin Johnson, another former world number one, echoed these sentiments. “Playing 72 holes just feels a little more like the big tournaments we’ve all grown up playing,” he said. “I’ve always liked the grind of four rounds.”
Bryson DeChambeau, a prominent figure on the LIV tour, added that the move could help unify the sport. “Everyone wants to see the best players in the world competing against each other, especially in the majors, and for the good of the game, we need a path forward.”
Format and Implications
For each regular season event, the individual competition will now be decided over 72 holes of stroke play. Meanwhile, the team competition will continue to run concurrently, with each team’s cumulative scores determining the final result.
Scott O’Neil, CEO of LIV Golf, described the shift as a “pivotal new chapter” for the league. He stated, “The move to 72 holes strengthens our league, challenges our elite field of players, and delivers more of the world-class golf, energy, innovation and access that our global audience wants.”
O’Neil also highlighted that successful leagues around the world—such as the IPL, EPL, NBA, MLB, and NFL—continuously innovate and evolve. “As an emerging league, we are no different,” he said.
This change represents the most significant shift since Scott O’Neil took over as CEO last year, replacing Greg Norman. It also signals a voluntary departure from one of the key differentiators between LIV Golf and traditional tours. Several players, including Rahm, had previously advocated for the expansion from three to four rounds.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the move to 72 holes may please players, it also raises questions about LIV Golf’s future recognition by the OWGR. The league’s team format has been a point of contention in previous attempts to gain official ranking status. However, LIV has also announced an expanded pathway for players to qualify for their tour, which could aid in gaining recognition.
Additionally, many of LIV’s top stars have struggled in majors. Returning to a more traditional 72-hole format could help them better prepare for the big four tournaments, which remain the most prestigious in the sport.