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LIV Golf officials announced Tuesday that the circuit is moving away from its 54-hole format, expanding to 72-hole events starting in 2026.
The Saudi-backed league has been operating its tournaments over just three rounds since its inception in 2022, with officials asserting 54 holes was a more fan-friendly product (LIV in roman numerals equals 54). However, the format was criticised by some as gimmicky and failed to resonate with fans, as the league continues to struggle to find an audience.
Conversely, the move to 72 holes has less to do with fans as much as it is a play for competitive integrity. In July, LIV resubmitted an application to the Official World Golf Ranking for its events to be allowed to award World Ranking points. Though the team aspect of LIV was one of the reasons the OWGR board denied the league accreditation when it first applied in 2023, a switch to 72 holes could make its re-application more viable. This move comes in addition to recent changes to expand pathways to the tour, in hopes of satisfying the OWGR’s requirements to offer World Ranking points.
In a press release, LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil noted that “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. … The most successful leagues around the world—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 move comes after Jon Rahm, one of LIV’s marquee names, failed to win a tournament. Behind the scenes, Rahm has expressed interest in a transition to 72 holes.
“This is a win for the league, and the players,” said Rahm, captain of Legon XIII, in a press release. “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.”
While LIV Golf is adding 18 more holes, officials confirmed that tournaments will continue to play under a shotgun-start format for all its rounds.
Next year’s tournaments are expected to begin on Thursdays, following the standard of the PGA and DP World Tours.
The 2026 LIV season begins in Saudi Arabia in February.
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Main Image: LIV Golf
