LIV Golf has announced a significant change to its tournament format, moving to a four-day competition comprising 72 holes. This shift aligns the league more closely with the structure of PGA Tour events. The first tournament of 2026 is scheduled to begin on February 4, 2026, in Saudi Arabia, followed by an event in Adelaide the following week, likely from February 12-15.
The decision to expand the tournament format has garnered support from high-profile players. Two-time major champion Jon Rahm, who is also the reigning individual champion of LIV Golf, expressed his enthusiasm about the change. “This is a win for the League, and the players,” he stated. “LIV Golf is a player’s league. We are competitors to the core and we want every opportunity to compete at the highest level and to perfect our craft.”
Rahm highlighted the benefits of this new format, suggesting that a longer competition will not only strengthen the competitive nature of the league but also cater to the preferences of fans. “Moving to 72 holes is the logical next step that strengthens the competition, tests us more fully, and if the growing galleries from last season are any indication, delivers more of what the fans want,” he added.
The pressure on LIV Golf’s roster is significant, especially as world rankings play a crucial role in qualifications for the four major tournaments in golf. The absence of ranking points for LIV Golf events has resulted in a notable decline in rankings for its players. For instance, former world No. 1 Dustin Johnson has plummeted to 604th in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).
Bryson DeChambeau, another prominent player, emphasized the importance of this transition. “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,” he remarked.
Scott O’Neil, CEO of LIV Golf, described the move to 72 holes as a pivotal moment for the 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,” he explained.
As LIV Golf prepares for this new chapter, the integration of a 72-hole format signals a commitment to enhancing the competitive landscape and responding to the desires of both players and fans alike. The adjustments may also play a critical role in how LIV Golf players navigate the highly competitive environment of professional golf and secure their positions in major tournaments moving forward.
