LIV Golf will officially transition to a 72-hole tournament format, beginning with its 2026 season opener in Riyadh, marking a bold departure from the 54-hole format it has maintained since its inception.
The Saudi-backed league announced the change as part of a broader strategic alignment with traditional tours, such as the PGA and DP World Tour. While the shotgun start and 54-player field will remain, the tournaments will now span four rounds—bringing LIV closer to golf’s global standards.
“Moving to 72 holes is the logical next step that strengthens the competition, tests us more fully, and delivers more of what the fans want,” said 2024 LIV individual champion Jon Rahm.
Weekly Format Changes, But Player Count Remains
Most LIV Golf events will now run from Thursday through Sunday, though the 2026 Riyadh event will begin on a Wednesday (Feb. 4) to align with the local weekend schedule.
Despite the added round, the field will remain capped at 54 players and no-cut rules are expected to stay in place. This ensures fans will see all top players compete across all four days, while preserving LIV’s team and individual competition elements.
Focus on Rankings Drives Format Change
One of the most pressing motivations for the change is LIV’s continued lack of Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points. LIV’s original 54-hole format was a key reason OWGR denied accreditation—effectively locking out its players from rising in the world rankings.
Without ranking points, LIV stars have seen their global status and eligibility for Major Championships decline. The shift to 72 holes aims to remove the format barrier, restoring competitive parity and addressing one of OWGR’s major objections.
Players Once Opposed, Now Support the Shift
According to LIV golfer Tyrrell Hatton, sentiment among players has shifted dramatically in just a year.
“I think of everyone who filled [the survey] out, there were only three guys initially who said ‘yes’ to moving to 72 holes,” Hatton shared in a recent press conference.
Many top players, including Rahm, have since lobbied for the change—believing that 72-hole events better prepare them for the physical and mental demands of major championships.
Golf World Responds with Mixed Reactions
The announcement has received mixed feedback from the broader golf community.
Rory McIlroy, a consistent defender of traditional tours, commented:
“It certainly puts them more in line with traditional golf tournaments… but it takes away from their disruptor identity.”
McIlroy also questioned whether the format change alone will be enough to secure OWGR points, hinting that LIV players may have already lost too much ground.
What This Means for LIV Golf’s Future
The 72-hole update represents a calculated gamble. LIV Golf is redefining its trademark speed and original format in hopes of achieving long-term credibility and entry into golf’s highest levels.
“This is a win for the League and the players,” Rahm added. “We are competitors to the core, and we want every opportunity to compete at the highest level.”
As LIV heads toward 2026, all eyes will be on whether this traditional turn earns the validation the league has been chasing since launch.
