LIV Golf will change to a 72-hole format starting in the 2026 season

LIV Golf events will expand to 72 holes from 2026, bringing them in line with established sports tours.

Launched in 2022 with 54-hole events, the Saudi Arabia-backed circuit takes its name from the Roman numeral for 54 – LIV.

The unconventional format played a role in depriving players of official ranking points, as most LIV events were played from Friday to Sunday.

It will be contested from the Thursday of the tournament weeks – with the exception of the Wednesday start for LIV Golf Riyadh in February.

“This is a win for the league and the players,” said two-time major league champion Jon Rahm, who won his second straight LIV title in August.

“LIV Golf is a players’ league,” said the former world number one. “We are competitive to the core and want every opportunity to compete at the highest level and improve our skills.

“Moving to 72 holes is the next logical step that enhances the competition, tests us more fully, and if the growing exhibitions from last season are any indication, it delivers more of what fans want.”

The World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points play a major role in determining entry into the four golf majors.

LIV golfers have fallen in the world rankings, with Rahm now ranked 71st in the world and former world number one Dustin Johnson at 604th.

“Playing 72 holes feels more like the big tournaments we all grew up playing,” Johnson said. “I’ve always loved grinding four rounds.”

“Everyone wants to see the best players in the world competing against each other, especially in major tournaments, and for the good of the game, we need a way forward,” added Bryson DeChambeau, who is also on the LIV Tour.

For each regular season event, individual competition will be determined over 72 holes of stroke play.

Team competition will continue simultaneously, with each team’s cumulative individual playing scores determining the team score.

“The move to 72 holes represents 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 reach that our global audience wants,” said LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neill.

“The most successful leagues around the world – IPL, EPL, NBA, MLB and NFL – continue to innovate and evolve their products, and as an emerging league, we are no different.”