LIV Golf is poised for a considerable shift in its competitive structure, announcing that all regular season events will expand to 72 holes beginning in 2026. This decision brings the Saudi Arabia-backed golf league in line with the established format of major golf tours around the globe. The change addresses longstanding criticisms regarding the league’s format and its impact on player rankings.
The Shift Away From 54 Holes
Table of Contents
- 1. The Shift Away From 54 Holes
- 2. Player Reaction and the Pursuit of Ranking Points
- 3. Competition Format Remains Consistent
- 4. LIV Golf’s Vision for the Future
- 5. The Evolution of Golf Tournament formats
- 6. Frequently Asked questions About LIV Golf’s Format Change
- 7. How might the shift to a 72-hole format affect the strategies employed by LIV Golf players during tournaments?
- 8. LIV Golf Announces Shift to 72-Hole Format Starting 2026 Season
- 9. What’s Changing with LIV Golf Tournaments?
- 10. Key Details of the New Format
- 11. Why the Shift to 72 Holes?
- 12. Impact on LIV Golf Players
- 13. How This Affects the Future of Golf
- 14. LIV Golf Tournament Format: A Historical Comparison
- 15. What This Means for Golf Betting and Fantasy Golf
Since its inception in 2022, LIV golf distinguished itself with 54-hole tournaments, a deviation that contributed to its inability to secure Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points for its players. the League’s very name, ‘LIV’-the Roman numeral for 54-reflected this unconventional approach.Now, events, with the exception of LIV Golf Riyadh in February, will unfold from Thursday to Sunday, mirroring the traditional tournament schedule.
Player Reaction and the Pursuit of Ranking Points
Prominent players have voiced support for the modification.Two-time major champion Jon Rahm, recently victorious in a LIV event, remarked that the decision is “a win for the league and the players.” He emphasized that the extended format would enhance competitiveness and cater to fan expectations. Dustin Johnson, a former World Number One, shared that playing 72 holes feels more akin to the prestigious tournaments he grew up competing in.
The pursuit of OWGR points is central to this change. accurate rankings are crucial for entry into the four major golf championships. Currently, LIV Golf players have experienced a decline in rankings, with Rahm now ranked 71st and Johnson falling to 604th globally, according to recent OWGR data. Bryson DeChambeau added, “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.”
Competition Format Remains Consistent
While the duration of individual competitions will increase, the team component of LIV golf will remain unchanged. Each team’s overall score will continue to be determined by the cumulative strokes of its individual players.This ensures that the innovative team dynamic, a hallmark of LIV Golf, is preserved.
LIV Golf’s Vision for the Future
LIV Golf’s chief executive, Scott O’Neil, conveyed that the move to 72 holes represents a pivotal moment for the league.He stated it strengthens the league, challenges players, and delivers a world-class experience for its audience, aligning with the innovative models of successful sports leagues like the IPL, EPL, NBA, MLB, and NFL.
| Feature | Previous Format (2022-2025) | New Format (2026 Onward) |
|---|---|---|
| Event Duration | 54 Holes | 72 Holes |
| Tournament Days | Friday – Sunday | Thursday – Sunday (Riyadh: Wednesday – Sunday) |
| OWGR Points | Not Eligible | Seeking Eligibility |
| Team Competition | Cumulative Individual Scores | Cumulative individual Scores |
The Evolution of Golf Tournament formats
The traditional 72-hole format, established in the early 20th century, has become the standard in professional golf. It provides a thorough test of endurance, skill, and mental fortitude for players. Prior to this, tournaments were frequently enough shorter, adapting to the travel capabilities and available daylight of the era. The move by LIV Golf signals a return to this proven format,potentially unlocking broader acceptance within the established golf ecosystem.
Frequently Asked questions About LIV Golf’s Format Change
- What is LIV Golf’s primary reason for extending events to 72 holes? To align with standard tour formats and gain eligibility for official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points.
- Will the team competition format be affected by the 72-hole change? No, the team competition will continue to be based on cumulative individual stroke play scores.
- when will the new 72-hole format officially take effect? Beginning with the 2026 season.
- How could this change impact player rankings? It is indeed anticipated that it will improve the ability of LIV Golf players to earn and maintain OWGR points.
- What did players like Jon Rahm say about the change? Rahm called it “a win for the league and the players,” highlighting its benefits.
- Is the LIV Golf Riyadh event also changing to a 72-hole format? No, it will start on Wednesday.
- What other major sports leagues is LIV Golf referencing with this change? The IPL, EPL, NBA, MLB, and NFL, all known for continuous innovation.
Will this decision be enough to secure OWGR points for LIV Golf players? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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How might the shift to a 72-hole format affect the strategies employed by LIV Golf players during tournaments?
LIV Golf Announces Shift to 72-Hole Format Starting 2026 Season
What’s Changing with LIV Golf Tournaments?
LIV Golf is considerably altering its tournament structure, moving to a conventional 72-hole format beginning in the 2026 season. This represents a major shift from the current 54-hole model that has defined the Saudi-backed golf league since its inception. The announcement, made on Tuesday, November 5th, 2025, signals a move towards aligning with the established norms of professional golf, like the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.
Key Details of the New Format
Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about the upcoming changes to the LIV Golf schedule and tournament play:
* 72 Holes: Each LIV Golf event will now consist of four rounds of 18 holes, totaling 72 holes – the standard for most professional golf tournaments.
* Implementation Date: The new format will be implemented starting with the 2026 season.This provides players and organizers time to adjust to the change.
* Rationale: LIV Golf aims to enhance the competitive experience and appeal to a broader audience with the extended format.
* Player Feedback: Jon Rahm, a prominent LIV golf player, has publicly stated his support for the change, calling it “a win for the league and the players.” (Source: Sky Sports)
Why the Shift to 72 Holes?
The decision to adopt the 72-hole format isn’t arbitrary. Several factors likely contributed to this change:
* Increased competition: A longer tournament format generally increases the challenge and separates the top players from the field.
* Fan engagement: The traditional 72-hole structure is familiar to golf fans worldwide, possibly boosting viewership and attendance.
* PGA Tour Alignment: Moving closer to the PGA Tour’s format could facilitate future negotiations and potential integration.
* Addressing Criticism: The 54-hole format was a frequent point of criticism from those who felt it diminished the competitive integrity of the league.
Impact on LIV Golf Players
The change to 72 holes will undoubtedly impact LIV Golf players in several ways:
* Increased Stamina Demands: Players will need to maintain peak performance over four rounds instead of three, requiring greater physical and mental endurance.
* Strategic Adjustments: Tournament strategy will need to be refined to account for the additional round. Players will need to pace themselves and manage risk more effectively.
* Scoring Implications: The longer format could led to lower overall scores and tighter competition.
* Potential for More Dramatic Finishes: With an extra round, there’s a greater chance for dramatic comebacks and exciting finishes.
How This Affects the Future of Golf
This move by LIV Golf has broader implications for the future of professional golf:
* Potential for Unification: The shift towards a more traditional format could pave the way for potential unification talks with the PGA Tour.
* Increased Competition: A more competitive LIV Golf league could challenge the PGA Tour’s dominance.
* Evolution of the Game: The changes could influence how professional golf tournaments are structured and presented in the future.
* Attracting Sponsors: A more recognizable format may attract more sponsors and investment into the league.
LIV Golf Tournament Format: A Historical Comparison
| feature | Previous (54 Holes) | New (72 Holes – 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Rounds | 3 | 4 |
| Holes per Event | 54 | 72 |
| Tournament Length | Shorter | Longer |
| Competitive Level | Potentially Less | Potentially More |
| Fan Familiarity | Lower | Higher |
What This Means for Golf Betting and Fantasy Golf
The change to a 72-hole format will also impact golf betting and fantasy golf:
* More Data Points: Bettors and fantasy players will have more data to analyze when making their picks.
* Increased Volatility: The longer format could introduce more volatility, making it harder to predict winners.
* Emphasis on endurance: Players known for their consistency and stamina may become more valuable in both betting and fantasy golf.
* New Betting Markets: New betting markets could emerge to capitalize on the extended format.
