LIV Golf has announced that all of its events will be played over 72 holes from the start of the 2026 season.
Since its inception in 2022, LIV Golf events have featured a three-day 54-hole competition, playing the majority of events from Friday to Sunday. In 2026, all events will be played over four days, generally beginning on Thursday of event weeks (Wednesday, February 4 for the season-opening LIV Golf Riyadh).
Speaking about the revised format, which brings it into line with all the other main professional tours, Scott O’Neil, the recently appointed LIV Golf CEO, said: “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.
“We’re seeing upward momentum and traction from Hong Kong to Adelaide to Indianapolis, and that heightened interest opens the door to add another day of golf while benefiting our fans, players, marketing partners, and our global media partners. The most successful sporting leagues around the world 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.”
For each regular season event, the individual competition will be decided over 72 holes of stroke play, while the team competition will continue to run concurrently, with each team’s cumulative individual stroke play scores determining the team’s result. The shotgun starts remain, ensuring a condensed event experience. The format for the season-ending Team Championship is to be announced at a later date.
“This is a win for the League, and the players,” said Jon Rahm, Legion XIII Captain and the 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.”
“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, Crushers CG Captain. “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.”
LIV Golf has previously sought official recognition from the Official World Gold Ranking for its events, so that its players not already qualified for majors can earn points towards qualification, but was advised by the OWGR board that events that are only open to those that were invited to join LIV Golf, rather than through qualification, and came without a cut and played over 54 holes did not meet the criteria to earning OWGR points.
To view the LIV Golf 2026 season schedule, visit www.livgolf.com
