LIV Golf League to shift from 54–hole to 72–hole tournament format in 2026
In a significant development for global golf, the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League announced that beginning in 2026 their tournaments will move from the traditional 54-hole, three-day format to a four-day, 72-hole structure. �
Reuters +2
What’s changing
The move to 72 holes aligns with the standard format used on the high-profile tours like the PGA Tour, addressing a criticism that LIV’s shorter events lacked equivalence for world ranking points. �
Reuters +1
LIV announced the change while still retaining its “shotgun start” format (where players tee off simultaneously across the course) and the concurrent individual + team competition model. �
Reuters +1
The decision comes as part of a renewed push for recognition by the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). LIV’s earlier bid for inclusion was rejected, citing format issues among other things. �
Golf Channel
Why this matters
Legitimacy & ranking impact: Ea major reason for the change is to give LIV players a pathway to earn ranking points, which affect eligibility for major championships. Without alignment, top players in LIV were penalised. �
Reuters +1
Strategic repositioning of LIV: It signals that the league is willing to adapt its radical format to integrate more with the established golf ecosystem rather than remain a complete outsider.
Player mindset and optics: Several top players in the league, including Jon Rahm, welcomed the change saying it “makes sense”. �
Sky Sports
Wider sport implications: The change could influence how other emerging sports leagues format their competitions for global credibility.
Potential challenges & caveats
While the format shift is positive for optics, LIV must still navigate global perceptions, player relations, and tournament scheduling.
The shotgun start remains, which is unique and may raise questions from purists.
For traditional tours and fans, whether this change is enough to level the playing field remains to be seen.
What’s next
LIV’s forthcoming 2026 season will serve as a test. Its schedule, the reception of players and fans, and its impact on rankings will be closely watched. If successful, this could mark a turning point in the competitive landscape of golf.
