LIV Golf announces the switch to a 72-hole format for the 2026 season

Crushers GC Captain Bryson DeChambeau, one of the great attractions of the LIV Golf League, has welcomed the 72-hole format for the 2026 season. Image courtesy of LIV Golf.

By Rahul Banerji

After three years of criticism that the 54-hole format was too “soft”, LIV Golf events will be played over 72 holes from the 2026 season, i.e. four days of competition.

This puts it in line with the major men’s professional circuits including the PGA Tour, the DP World (European) Tour, the Asian Tour and also the domestic Professional Golf Tour of India.

In a statement on Tuesday, the league said the move marked the “next chapter of LIV Golf’s mission to grow and celebrate the sport for a new era of players and fans around the world.

“Since its inception, LIV Golf events have consisted of a three-day, 54-hole competition, with most events played from Friday to Sunday.

“In 2026, all events will be played over four days, usually starting on the Thursday of the event weeks (Wednesday, February 4 for LIV Golf Riyadh presented by Roshn).

“The same high-energy, team and individual competition format remains core to the League’s DNA, along with the world-class event experiences that are central to LIV Golf’s impact on and off the course.”

New chapter

“…the move to 72 holes marks a critical new chapter for LIV Golf that strengthens our League, challenges our elite field and delivers more of the world-class golf, energy, innovation and access our global audience demands,” said Scott O’Neill, CEO of LIV Golf.

“We are seeing upward momentum and traction from Hong Kong to Adelaide to Indianapolis, and that increased 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 leagues in the world – IPL, EPL, NBA, MLB, NFL – continue to innovate and develop their product, and as an emerging league we are no different.

“LIV Golf will always pursue progress that acts in the best interests of LIV Golf and in the best interests of the sport.”

In regular season events, individual competition is decided over 72 holes of stroke play.

The team competition will continue simultaneously, with the cumulative individual stroke play scores determining the team’s outcome.

Shotgun remains

Central to LIV Golf’s identity and offering remains shotgun starts, ensuring the condensed, faster event experience embraced by players and fans.

The format for the season-ending team championship will be announced at a later date, LIV Golf said.

“This is a win for the League and the players,” said Legion XIII captain and two-time individual champion Jon Rahm.

“LIV Golf is a players’ league. We are competitors through and through and we want every opportunity to compete at the highest level and perfect our craft.

“The move to 72 holes is the logical next step that increases competition, tests us more fully and, if last season’s growing galleries are any indication, delivers more of what fans want.”

Path forward

Crushers GC captain Bryson DeChambeau added: “Everyone wants to see the best players in the world compete against each other, especially in the majors, and for the good of the game we need a path forward.

“By moving to 72 holes, LIV Golf is taking a proactive step to adapt to the historic format that is recognized worldwide.

“This is a fantastic evolution of the LIV Golf product and shows how our League is listening and adapting to create the best possible experience.”

“I’m excited to see the League make this change,” said Torque GC captain Joaquin Niemann.

“Moving to 72 holes means more competition, and that’s what we want. We’re here to compete every round, and this evolution delivers that for our team.

“More time on track means more opportunities, whether it’s visibility, performance or performance for our fans.”

Welcome move

4Aces skipper Dustin Johnson said: “I think it’s a great move for the League and I’m excited about it.

“Playing 72 holes feels a little more like the big tournaments we all grew up with. I’ve always loved the grind of four rounds – it gives the best players the chance to reach the top.

“LIV Golf has been a great experience from the start and I think this makes it even better for the fans and for us who compete.”

By 2026, LIV Golf’s global program will cover 10 countries on five continents, with 11 of the League’s 14 events already announced, including a first foray into Africa.

Also read: Legion XIII pip Crushers for LIV team title in nail-biting play-off

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