Tyrrell Hatton says most LIV golfers initially pushed back on the competition’s move to 72-hole events – a stark contrast to the collective praise that accompanied the official announcement.Ahead of the 2025 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, Hatton revealed that a player questionnaire distributed after his first season showed overwhelming opposition to expanding tournaments from 54 to 72 holes.
An opinion poll that LIV did not publish
Hatton, one of LIV’s most prominent signings and a mainstay in recent European Ryder Cup teams, said the survey results were skewed.
“At the end of my first season there was a questionnaire,” Hatton said. “One of the questions was about moving to 72 holes. I think of everyone who filled it out, only three guys said yes at first.”
Despite being one of the early advocates, Hatton admitted that the idea was unpopular at the time. But a year later, he believes sentiment has changed – and he’s glad the league is now making the change.
“I think it’s a good thing that LIV has gone to four rounds,” he said. “I’m pretty happy we moved to 72 holes.”
Public praise versus private reservations
Hatton’s comments are in stark contrast to the praise LIV released when announcing the format’s overhaul.
World No. 1 Jon Rahm called the change “a win for the League,” saying 72 holes would increase competition and better serve fans. Dustin Johnson added that four-round tournaments “feel more like the big events we grew up with.” Joaquin Niemann and Bryson DeChambeau echoed similar sentiments, with DeChambeau describing the move as a “proactive step” toward alignment with traditional global norms.
The OWGR factor
Competitive purity aside, the shift is widely seen as an attempt to address LIV’s stalled bid for official World Golf Ranking points. The 54-hole format has been one of the biggest technical obstacles to OWGR recognition – an issue that has limited LIV players’ access to major championships.
If the new format helps break this impasse, LIV’s top names are more likely to remain visible on golf’s biggest stages.
Whether player opinions actually changed – or were simply in line with the league’s strategic needs – Hatton’s revelation underlines the behind-the-scenes debate that preceded LIV’s most significant structural shift to date.
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