LIV Golf, which marketed itself as a faster-paced various to the PGA Tour with 54-hole tournaments, shotgun begins and workforce competitors, is shifting to 72-hole occasions beginning in 2026, the league introduced Tuesday.
Shotgun begins and particular person and workforce competitions being performed concurrently will stay part of the LIV Golf League, however its tournaments will probably be one spherical longer and can typically begin on Thursday shifting ahead.
“Probably the most profitable leagues all over the world — IPL, EPL, NBA, MLB, NFL — proceed to innovate and evolve their product, and as an rising league, we aren’t any totally different,” LIV Golf League CEO Scott O’Neil mentioned in a press release. “LIV Golf will all the time have a watch in the direction of progress that acts in the most effective curiosity of LIV Golf and in the most effective curiosity of the game.”
The league, which is being financed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Funding Fund, is searching for inclusion within the Official World Golf Rating to assist its golfers get hold of pathways to main championships. The OWGR denied its software in October 2023 in its first season of competitors.
OWGR officers mentioned the applying was rejected partly as a result of the league is a closed store, and particular person outcomes is perhaps compromised by the workforce competitors. All golfers’ scores rely in workforce standings now.
LIV Golf reapplied for OWGR recognition in July.
“Everybody needs to see the most effective gamers on the planet competing towards one another, particularly within the majors, and for the great of the sport, we’d like a path ahead,” Crushers GC captain Bryson DeChambeau mentioned in a press release.
“By shifting to 72 holes, LIV Golf is taking a proactive step to align with the historic format acknowledged globally. This can be a incredible evolution of the LIV Golf product, displaying how our League listens and adapts to create the absolute best expertise.”
LIV Golf opens its 2026 season on Feb. 4-7 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
