LIV Golf, which has pitched itself as a faster-paced alternative to the PGA Tour with 54-hole tournaments, shotgun starts and team competitions, will move to 72-hole events starting in 2026, the league announced Tuesday.
Individual and team competitions, which coincide with the shotgun start, will still be part of the LIV Golf League, but the tournament will be one round longer and will now typically begin on a Thursday.
“The most successful leagues around the world (IPL, EPL, NBA, MLB, NFL) continue to innovate and evolve their products, and as an emerging league, we are no exception,” LIV Golf League CEO Scott O’Neal said in a statement. “LIV Golf always looks to advances that are in the best interest of LIV Golf and the sport.”
The league, which is funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, aims to be included in the Official World Golf Ranking, giving golfers a path to major championships. OWGR rejected the application in October 2023 for the first season of competition.
OWGR officials said the application was denied because the league is a private shop and individual performance could be compromised by team competition. All golfers’ scores are now reflected in team rankings.
LIV Golf reapplied for OWGR certification in July.
“Everyone wants to see the best players in the world compete, especially in the majors, and we need a path forward to improve the game,” Crushers GC captain Bryson DeChambeau said in a statement.
“With the move to 72 holes, LIV Golf is taking a proactive step to align with a historic, globally recognized format. This is a great evolution of the LIV Golf product and shows how our league is listening and adapting to create the best experience possible.”
LIV Golf will open its 2026 season in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from February 4th to 7th.
