LIV Golf To Shift To 72-Hole Format In 2026; Change Is ‘In The Best Interest Of The Sport’
LIV Golf, the league that launched as a fast-paced, 54-hole alternative to the traditional golf world, is making a significant change. In a move announced on Tuesday, November 4, the league will shift to a 72-hole tournament format starting with its 2026 season. The change signals a major evolution for the circuit as it continues to seek legitimacy and a stronger foothold in the global golf landscape.
A Step Towards Alignment
While key elements like shotgun starts and the simultaneous team competition will remain, extending tournaments by a full round is a considerable departure from LIV’s original model. The “LIV” name itself is the Roman numeral for 54, which was central to its branding. This strategic pivot is widely seen as a proactive effort to align with the historic format recognized by the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) and the sport’s major championships.
LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil framed the decision as a natural part of the league’s growth. “The most successful leagues around the world… continue to innovate and evolve their product, and as an emerging league, we are no different,” he said in a statement. “LIV Golf will always have an eye towards progress that acts in the best interest of LIV Golf and in the best interest of the sport.”
The Quest for World Ranking Points
A primary motivation behind this change is LIV Golf’s ongoing pursuit of inclusion in the Official World Golf Ranking. The OWGR denied LIV’s initial application in October 2023, citing concerns about the league’s closed-shop model and the potential for the team competition to compromise individual results. By adopting the standard 72-hole format, LIV is directly addressing one of the key structural differences between its product and that of other major professional tours.
Gaining OWGR points is crucial for LIV players, as the rankings are a primary pathway into golf’s four major championships. Without access to points, many of the league’s stars risk falling out of eligibility for these prestigious events.
Crushers GC captain and former U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau voiced his support for the move. “By moving to 72 holes, LIV Golf is taking a proactive step to align with the historic format recognized globally,” DeChambeau stated. “This is a fantastic evolution of the LIV Golf product, showing how our League listens and adapts to create the best possible experience.”
Final Thoughts
The change is a calculated gamble, trading a unique brand identity for a better chance at being integrated into the established golf ecosystem. As LIV prepares for its 2026 season, this evolution marks its most significant step yet in its campaign for worldwide recognition.
