LIV Golf, which marketed itself as a faster-paced different to the PGA Tour with 54-hole tournaments, shotgun begins and workforce competitors, is shifting to 72-hole occasions beginning in 2026, the league introduced Tuesday.
Shotgun begins and particular person and workforce competitions being performed concurrently will stay part of the LIV Golf League, however its tournaments can be one spherical longer and can typically begin on Thursday transferring ahead.
“Essentially the most profitable leagues world wide — IPL, EPL, NBA, MLB, NFL — proceed to innovate and evolve their product, and as an rising league, we are not any totally different,” LIV Golf League CEO Scott O’Neil stated in an announcement. “LIV Golf will all the time have a watch in direction of progress that acts in the very best curiosity of LIV Golf and in the very best curiosity of the game.”
The league, which is being financed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Funding Fund, is in search of inclusion within the Official World Golf Rating to assist its golfers receive pathways to main championships. The OWGR denied its utility in October 2023 in its first season of competitors.
OWGR officers stated the applying was rejected partly as a result of the league is a closed store, and particular person outcomes may be compromised by the workforce competitors. All golfers’ scores rely in workforce standings now.
LIV Golf reapplied for OWGR recognition in July.
“Everybody desires to see the very best gamers on the earth competing towards one another, particularly within the majors, and for the great of the sport, we want a path ahead,” Crushers GC captain Bryson DeChambeau stated in an announcement.
“By transferring to 72 holes, LIV Golf is taking a proactive step to align with the historic format acknowledged globally. This can be a incredible evolution of the LIV Golf product, displaying how our League listens and adapts to create the very best expertise.”
LIV Golf opens its 2026 season on Feb. 4-7 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.