Another Massive Change For Saudi PIF-backed LIV Golf As It Goes 72 Holes

Held over three days and 54 holes since its inception, the LIV Golf League will now be played over 72 holes and four days, starting with its season-opening Riyadh event.

The move is seen as part of the League’s efforts to gain recognition from the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). In case its application is approved, the fact that it is a 72-hole event would mean they would get 100 per cent of the points as per OWGR’s calculations (based on players’ stroke ratings and strength of field). By playing 54-hole events, points for each tournament would have been three-fourths of that.

Major format change hits LIV Golf

In 2026, all events will be played over four days, beginning on Thursday of event weeks. LIV Golf Riyadh presented by ROSHN will start on Wednesday, 4 February, as it has a Saturday finish.

Scott O’Neil, LIV Golf CEO, commented: “As we enter our fourth season as a 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.

“We’re seeing upward momentum and traction from Hong Kong to Adelaide to Indianapolis, and that heightened interest opens the door to add another day of golf while benefiting our fans, players, marketing partners, and our global media partners.

“The most successful leagues around the world – the IPL, EPL, NBA, MLB, NFL – continue to innovate and evolve their product, and as an emerging league, we are no different. 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 team element, the shotgun start and entertainment will remain central to LIV Golf. It will continue to feature 13 teams, but the field could be increased from the current 54 (13 teams of four players + two wildcards), to 57 with three additional wildcards. Format for the season-ending Team Championship will be announced at a later date.

Leading LIV Golf stars welcome the move.

Jon Rahm, Captain of the Legion XIII team and the two-time reigning Individual champion, said: “This is a win for the League, and the players. 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. 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.”

Bryson DeChambeau, captain of Crushers CG, 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. By moving to 72 holes, LIV Golf is taking a proactive step to align with the historic format recognised globally. This is a fantastic evolution of the LIV Golf product, showing how our League listens and adapts to create the best possible experience.”

The evolution to four rounds also reflects on the League’s commercial momentum and global demand.

The 2025 LIV season delivered record-breaking results with fan attendance, partnership revenue, and television audience. Global audience experienced new highs with nearly 90 per cent year-over-year growth since FOX Sports started showing it live since January 2025. Global broadcast is now approaching 900 million households across more than 200 countries.