Full Breakdown
LIV Golf Transitions to 72-Hole Format for 2026 Season
11/4/2025, 11:20:29 PM
Major Format Change Announced
LIV Golf has announced a significant shift in its tournament structure, moving from 54-hole events to a traditional 72-hole format starting in the 2026 season. This change, which will see tournaments span four days and generally commence on Thursdays, aligns LIV Golf more closely with established professional golf formats, such as those used by the PGA Tour and major championships. The league, backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, aims to enhance competition and improve its chances of gaining Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, which have been elusive since its inception in 2022.
Rationale Behind the Change
LIV Golf's decision to expand its tournament format is seen as a proactive measure to address concerns raised by the OWGR regarding its previous 54-hole structure. The OWGR had previously denied LIV's application for ranking points, citing issues such as the league's closed format and the simultaneous team competition affecting individual scores. By adopting a 72-hole format, LIV Golf seeks to demonstrate its commitment to evolving in line with traditional golf standards. LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil emphasized that this change marks a "pivotal new chapter" for the league, enhancing its competitive landscape and responding to fan demand for more extensive play.
Player Support and Perspectives
The move has garnered strong support from key players within the league. Jon Rahm, captain of Legion XIII and reigning individual champion, stated, “This is a win for the League, and the players... Moving to 72 holes is the logical next step that strengthens the competition.” Bryson DeChambeau, captain of Crushers GC, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of aligning with globally recognized formats to ensure the best players compete against each other. Other players, including Dustin Johnson and Joaquin Niemann, expressed excitement about the increased competition and the opportunity to showcase their skills over a longer format.
Commercial Success and Audience Growth
The transition to a 72-hole format reflects LIV Golf's growing commercial momentum. The league reported record-breaking results in 2025, including a nearly 90% increase in global audience reach since partnering with FOX Sports. LIV Golf now broadcasts to approximately 900 million households across over 200 countries. The league's commitment to enhancing the fan experience will continue with its signature shotgun starts and team competitions, which will remain integral to its events.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the positive reception of the format change, significant challenges remain for LIV Golf. The league must still address concerns regarding player turnover and the structure of its competitions to satisfy OWGR requirements. LIV Golf submitted a new application for OWGR recognition in June 2025, but no formal decision has been announced. The absence of world ranking points continues to limit LIV players' access to major championships, with only a few currently ranked in the top 50.
Conclusion
LIV Golf's transition to a 72-hole format represents a critical step in its evolution as a competitive league. By aligning more closely with traditional golf formats, LIV Golf aims to enhance its legitimacy and appeal, both to players and fans, while continuing its pursuit of OWGR recognition. The first tournament under this new format is set to take place from February 4-7, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
