LIV Golf shifts to Conventional 72-Hole Format in Pursuit of World Golf Rankings Recognition
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LIV Golf is fundamentally altering its tournament structure, moving to a four-day, 72-hole format beginning with the 2026 season. This meaningful change aligns the Saudi-backed golf league more closely with the PGA Tour and othre established professional circuits, and is widely seen as a crucial step in its ongoing quest for official recognition from the World Golf Rankings (OWGR).
The decision, announced Tuesday, November 4, marks a departure from the league’s initial model of 54-hole events, a feature that initially attracted some players seeking a less demanding schedule. However, the shorter format proved to be a major impediment in gaining acceptance from the OWGR, hindering the ranking of prominent LIV Golf players. Currently, stars like Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm are ranked outside the top 20 and 70 respectively, due to the league’s lack of OWGR eligibility.
The Road to Recognition
The 54-hole format was identified as a key obstacle in LIV Golf’s pursuit of OWGR points. A senior official stated, “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.” The move to 72 holes is therefore being presented as a proactive measure to conform to the globally recognized standard.
LIV Golf events will now commence on Thursdays and conclude on Sundays, with the individual competition determined over 72 holes of stroke play. The league will retain its popular team competition and shotgun starts, elements that have been praised for enhancing excitement and pace of play. Details regarding the format of the season-ending team championship will be released at a later date.
Player Sentiment and Offseason Moves
The change has been met with positive reactions from players. According to a company release, Rahm commented, “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.”
This past weekend also signaled the start of LIV Golf’s official offseason,a period during which team captains can sign,release,and trade players based on their 2025 standings. Rahm secured LIV Golf’s season-long individual title for the second consecutive year in 2025, while Legion XIII, featuring Rahm and European Ryder Cup teammate Tyrrell Hatton, claimed the $14 million first-place prize in the team competition.
LIV Golf members will continue to have opportunities to earn OWGR points through participation in the four major championships and events on other tours, such as the DP World Tour and the Asian Tour. The league previously withdrew its official request for OWGR points in 2022, but resubmitted it over the summer.
Why: LIV Golf changed its format to gain recognition from the World Golf Rankings (OWGR). The 54-hole format was a major obstacle to OWGR acceptance.
Who: LIV Golf, its players (specifically mentioned: Bryson DeCh
