LIV Golf Adopts 72-Hole Format for OWGR Bid

In a bold move aimed at aligning with the global standard for professional golf, LIV Golf has announced a major shift in its tournament format. Starting in the 2026 season, all LIV Golf events will expand from their original three-day, 54-hole structure to a traditional four-day, 72-hole format. This change marks a significant evolution for the Saudi-backed league, signaling a departure from one of its most distinctive innovations in favor of greater integration into the broader golf ecosystem.

The Format Change: A Step Toward Tradition

The transition from 54 to 72 holes is more than just adding an extra day of play; it's a substantial redefinition of the league's competitive framework. The previous 54-hole format, often praised by players for its less grueling schedule, became a point of contention in the broader golfing community. Despite its appeal, the deviation from traditional norms was a significant hurdle, particularly for players seeking recognition within the global golfing landscape.

Here are the key changes to expect in the 2026 season:

The Driving Force: World Ranking Points

The primary driver behind this format change is LIV Golf's ongoing quest for Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) recognition. The OWGR system is critical for players seeking entry into golf's prestigious four major championships—the Masters, PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and The Open. Without points from their home tour, LIV golfers' world rankings have stagnated, jeopardizing their participation in these marquee events.

LIV Golf applied for OWGR points in 2022, but the 54-hole format was cited as a key issue in the initial rejection. The league withdrew its application in 2023, but it has since re-applied with the 72-hole format in place, eliminating one of the major obstacles to gaining OWGR recognition.

Player Reactions: Broad Support for the Shift

The announcement has been widely praised by LIV Golf's star players, who see the move as a necessary step for both their careers and the league's long-term viability.

Bryson DeChambeau, the former U.S. Open champion, underscored the importance of unification: "Everyone wants to see the best players competing against each other, especially in the majors. Moving to 72 holes is a great step toward aligning with the historic format. It's a positive evolution for LIV Golf and shows that we're listening and adapting."

Jon Rahm, the reigning LIV Golf Individual Champion, echoed this sentiment: "This is a win for the league and the players. LIV Golf is a players' league, and we want to compete at the highest level. Switching to 72 holes strengthens the competition and tests us more fully. It's what the fans want."

What's Staying the Same: LIV Golf's Unique Identity

While the shift to a traditional 72-hole format brings LIV Golf closer to the mainstream, the league is committed to retaining several of its signature features that differentiate it from other tours:

• Team Competition: The team element, which operates alongside the individual competition and offers a $14 million first-place prize, will remain a core aspect of LIV events.
• Shotgun Starts: All players will still begin their rounds simultaneously from different holes, ensuring a faster pace of play and a more condensed broadcast window.
• No Cut: Unlike traditional tours, LIV Golf events will continue to have no cut, guaranteeing that all players who start the tournament will compete in all four rounds, providing fans access to the top names throughout the event.

The format for the season-ending Team Championship, which is distinct from regular-season tournaments, will be revealed at a later date.

Looking Ahead: The Road to 2026

The announcement comes as LIV Golf enters its offseason, a critical period for team-building. Captains now have the opportunity to sign, release, and trade players based on their performance in the 2025 season. Jon Rahm, who claimed the season-long title for the second consecutive year in 2025, remains a central figure, with his team, Legion XIII, also winning the team competition.

LIV Golf's revamped format will make its debut on February 4, 2026, at the Riyadh Golf Club in Saudi Arabia. This location underscores the league's commitment to its foundational backing and its goal of growing the game in new global markets.

Implications for the Future of Golf

This format shift is more than a procedural change; it marks a defining moment for the landscape of professional golf. By adopting the 72-hole format, LIV Golf is attempting to bridge the divide that has existed between itself and more established tours. This move places additional pressure on the OWGR governing body to award ranking points, which would help stabilize LIV players' world rankings and open the door for their participation in major tournaments.

For fans, the change promises a more familiar—and arguably more challenging—test of golf. The addition of 18 more holes will emphasize endurance and consistency, lending greater legitimacy to winners in the eyes of traditionalists. The retention of team play and shotgun starts ensures that LIV Golf's events will maintain their distinct fast-paced, entertainment-oriented format.

In conclusion, LIV Golf's transition to a 72-hole format is a strategic adjustment that signals the league's maturation. While it continues to offer a team-centric, entertainment-driven product, its embrace of golf's traditional structure demonstrates a clear commitment to longevity and broader acceptance within the sport. This move strengthens the competitive legacies of its players and sets the stage for future success at the highest levels of professional golf.