New York (AFP) – LIV Golf will abandon its abbreviated 54-hole format in favor of 72-hole tournaments in 2026, officials said Tuesday. The Saudi-backed circuit, whose name is derived from the Roman numeral for ’54’, had previously touted its three-round tournaments as a core distinction from traditional golf events. However, the 54-hole format prevented LIV events from earning Official Golf World Rankings points, making it harder for LIV players to qualify for golf’s majors.
A statement from LIV on Tuesday said the circuit’s events will now be played over four days, with most starting on a Thursday. “As we enter our fourth season as a League, the move to 72 holes marks a pivotal new chapter for LIV Golf that strengthens our League, challenges our elite field of players,” LIV Golf chief executive Scott O’Neil said. “The most successful leagues around the world continue to innovate and evolve their product, and as an emerging league, we are no different,” O’Neil added. “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.”
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The decision to adopt the 72-hole format also boosts the chances of LIV reaching an agreement with the PGA Tour over unifying golf. The two circuits’ different formats had reportedly been a key stumbling block in ongoing negotiations. The circuit’s decision was welcomed by LIV’s biggest stars, with former world number one Jon Rahm describing it as “a win for the League and the players.”
“We are competitors to the core and we want every opportunity to compete at the highest level and to perfect our craft,” Rahm said in a statement. Two-time major champion Bryson DeChambeau said he hoped the move would enable more LIV players to compete in majors. “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,” DeChambeau said. “By moving to 72 holes, LIV Golf is taking a proactive step to align with the historic format recognized globally.”
Launched in 2022, LIV Golf divided the sport after signing a slew of golf’s biggest names to big-money deals including Rahm, DeChambeau, and Dustin Johnson. The 2026 LIV Golf season tees off in Riyadh in February.
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