LIV Golf has announced that it is making a significant change to its format for the 2026 season. The Saudi-backed league will move from 54-hole events to traditional 72-hole tournaments as it bids to meet the requirements of the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). Earning ranking points through the OWGR would add more credibility to its tournament results and enhance the league’s status.
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Move To 72-Hole Format Marks Pivotal New Chapter For LIV Golf
Since its launch in 2022, LIV Golf has staged its events over three days (Friday through Sunday), with players competing across 54 holes. Beginning in the 2026 season, each regular-season event will feature 72 holes of stroke play for the individual competition, while the team competition will run simultaneously, with each team’s cumulative individual scores determining the overall result.
The change is a clear signal of LIV Golf’s intent to align more closely with the historically and globally recognized format used in major golf tournaments and on other established tours. The shift is expected to demonstrate to the OWGR board that the league is serious about having its players’ performances counted in the global ranking system.
“As we enter our fourth season as a League, the move to 72 holes marks a pivotal new chapter for LIV Golf that 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,” LIV Golf CEO, Scott O’Neil said in a statement on Tuesday. “We’re seeing upward momentum and traction from Hong Kong to Adelaide to Indianapolis, and that heightened interest opens the door to add another day of golf while benefiting our fans, players, marketing partners, and our global media partners.”
Players Welcome Format Change
Players have welcomed the change. Two-time reigning individual champion Jon Rahm praised the decision as “a win for the league and the players,” saying that moving to 72 holes “tests us more fully” and offers more of what fans want. Similarly, Bryson DeChambeau said the step aligns LIV Golf with the historic formats recognized globally, calling it a proactive move for the good of the game. In the same vein, Torque GC captain Joaquin Niemann said he is excited to see the league make this shift to the 72-hole format, while Dustin Johnson described it as “a great move for the league.”
Despite the format change, some of LIV Golf’s distinctive features will remain. The league will continue its simultaneous team and individual competition structure and maintain its shotgun-start format. The first event under the new 72-hole format will be the season opener in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, beginning February 4, 2026.
Main Photo Credit: © Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
