LIV Golf has announced that the circuit will abandon its 54-hole format and from 2026 its tournaments will be 72 holes, i.e. four rounds of 18 each. The Saudi-backed circuit has staged its tournaments over just three rounds since its inception in 2022. The original idea of 54 holes (the idea of 54 players remains, which justifies the name LIV), which was one of the attractions that the league sold, is therefore banished, as its new CEO has decided to change course.
“As we begin our fourth season as a league, the move to 72 holes marks a new and important chapter for LIV Golf that strengthens our league, challenges our elite group of players and delivers more world-class golf, energy, innovation and access that our global audience craves,” said LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil.
This decision comes as the circuit continues to work towards being included in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). Currently, its players do not earn OWGR points in LIV events and can only do so in the four majors and in events on other circuits, such as the DP World Tour or the Asian Tour. Last year, LIV Golf withdrew its official application for OWGR points, which was originally submitted in June 2022, but resubmitted it this summer.
The statement is accompanied by several reactions. Jon Rahm, winner of the last two seasons of the individual overall standings, said: “This is a win for the league and for the players. LIV Golf is a players’ tour. We are born competitors and want to take every opportunity to compete at the highest level and hone our game. The move to 72 holes is the next logical step that strengthens competition, tests us more fully and, if last season’s growing attendance is anything to go by, delivers more of what fans want.”
Bryson DeChambeau is clear that it is the way forward for the World Ranking: “Everyone wants to see the best players in the world competing against each other, especially in the Majors, and for the good of golf, we need a way forward. By switching to 72 holes, LIV Golf is taking a proactive step to align with the globally recognised historic format. This is a fantastic evolution of the LIV Golf product, demonstrating how our League listens and adapts to create the best possible experience.”
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