LIV Golf shifts to 72-hole format in 2026

LIV Golf announced a major shift in its format on Tuesday, moving all events to a traditional 72-hole structure starting in the 2026 season, a change aimed at bolstering the league's bid for recognition by the Official World Golf Ranking system. The Saudi-backed circuit, which launched in 2022 with a distinctive 54-hole format, will now align more closely with the standards of major professional tours, potentially easing the path for its players to earn world ranking points and qualify for elite tournaments like the Masters.

The decision reverses a core element of LIV's original design, where the shorter format and shotgun starts were marketed as a fresh approach to make golf more accessible. LIV CEO Scott O'Neil described the update as a pivotal step that strengthens the league and challenges its field of elite players. "As an emerging league, we are no different" from successful global sports entities that evolve their product, O'Neil said in the announcement. The season will begin February 7 in Saudi Arabia, with events spanning Thursday to Sunday, except for those in Saudi Arabia ending on Saturday. The team competition format remains unchanged, with all rounds contributing...