LIV Golf: 72-Hole Tournaments & Format Changes Explained

LIV Golf Shifts to Conventional 72-Hole Format in 2026, Pursues World Golf Ranking Inclusion

LIV Golf, the controversial Saudi-backed golf league, announced Tuesday it will transition to a 72-hole tournament format beginning in 2026, a move widely seen as an attempt to gain acceptance from the official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). The league, initially marketed as a disruptive force with 54-hole events and a team-centric approach, will maintain its shotgun starts and simultaneous individual and team competitions alongside the expanded format.

Did you know? – LIV Golf originally stood for “League with innovation and Vision.” The league aimed to disrupt traditional golf with its shorter format and team-based competition, but is now adapting to industry standards.

Adapting to Industry Standards

The decision to adopt the traditional 72-hole structure mirrors the format used by the PGA Tour and other major global sporting leagues. “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,” a senior league official stated.”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.”

This shift comes as LIV Golf continues to seek inclusion in the OWGR, a crucial step for its players to qualify for major championships. The OWGR rejected the league’s initial application in October 2023, citing concerns about its closed-shop nature and the potential for team competition to compromise individual scoring integrity. All golfers’ scores currently contribute to team standings.LIV Golf reapplied for recognition in July.

The Quest for Ranking Legitimacy

Gaining OWGR recognition remains a top priority for LIV Golf. According to OWGR officials, a key obstacle to acceptance has been the league’s structure, which differs significantly from established tours. The move to 72 holes is being presented as a proactive step toward addressing these concerns.

Pro tip: – The official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) is used by major championships and the International Federation of PGA Tours to determine eligibility for events and Olympic qualification.

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

2026 Season Kickoff

LIV Golf’s 2026 season is scheduled to begin February 4-7 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The league, financed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, hopes the changes will demonstrate its commitment to the broader golf ecosystem and ultimately secure a pathway for its players to compete at the highest levels of the sport.

Reader question: – Do you think this format change will be enough to convince the OWGR to grant LIV Golf ranking points? What other changes might be needed?

Why: LIV Golf is shifting to a 72-hole format to address concerns raised by the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) regarding its structure and to increase the likelihood of its players qualifying for major championships.

Who: LIV Golf, a Saudi-backed golf league, is making the change. Key figures include league officials and players like Bryson DeChambeau. The OWGR is the entity whose approval LIV Golf seeks.

What: LIV Golf announced it will transition from its current 54-hole format to a traditional 72-hole tournament format beginning in 2026. The league will retain shotgun starts and team competitions alongside the individual play.

How did it end? The declaration was made Tuesday, and the change will take effect in the 2