LIV Golf’s long, uphill battle for Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points may finally be turning a corner.
Since its launch in 2022, the league has faced stiff resistance from golf’s traditional gatekeepers. For its players, the lack of OWGR recognition has been a career roadblock, shutting them out of major championships and Ryder Cup contention.
The major issue remained LIV’s format, which didn’t meet the criteria to secure OWGR points. Its 54-hole format, combined with a team-based competition and no relegation, stood in stark contrast to the traditional standards recognized by the ranking system.
But now, LIV Golf is rewriting its playbook.
On Tuesday, the league announced that from the upcoming season, all LIV events will be played over four days and 72 holes. This is the same format used by the PGA Tour and other OWGR-recognized circuits.
“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, and delivers more of the world-class golf, energy, innovation, and access that our global audience wants,” stated Scott O’Neil, LIV Golf CEO. “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 change will take effect starting with the 2026 season, and events will typically run Thursday through Sunday. LIV Golf Riyadh will begin on Wednesday, Feb. 4, per LIV’s press release.
Jon Rahm Reacts to LIV Golf’s Big Shift
“This is a win for the League and the players,” expressed Jon Rahm, Legion XIII Captain and two-time reigning Individual Champion. “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.”
After Norman’s exit, O’Neil took the reins and refiled LIV’s OWGR application in July 2025, which was reportedly withdrawn in 2023 under ex-CEO Greg Norman. The league has since made a series of adjustments to meet ranking standards, including expanding its qualifying pathways and tweaking its competition structure.
“I’m excited to see the league make this shift,” stated Joaquin Niemann, Torque GC captain. “More time on-course means more opportunity, whether it’s visibility, performance, or delivering for our fans.”
The 2025 season saw record-breaking attendance, partnership revenue, and TV viewership. Since partnering with FOX Sports in January, LIV’s U.S. broadcast reach has surged, contributing to a 90% year-over-year growth in global audience. The league now reaches nearly 900 million households across 200-plus countries.
More Golf: PGA Tour Champions Offers Clear Response on Tiger Woods
