LIV Golf is shaking up the sport once again, and this time, it’s a move that could redefine its place in the golfing world. Starting from the 2026 season, LIV Golf events will expand to a 72-hole format, aligning itself with the traditional structure of the sport’s most established tours. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this a genuine step toward legitimacy, or a strategic play to win over critics while maintaining its unique identity? Let’s dive in.
Since its launch in 2022, LIV Golf has been synonymous with its 54-hole format, a bold departure from the norm that, while innovative, contributed to players being excluded from official ranking points. Now, by adding an extra round, LIV is not just extending the competition—it’s sending a message. Two-time major winner Jon Rahm, who clinched his second consecutive LIV title in August, called it a ‘win for the league and the players.’ Rahm, a former world number one, emphasized, ‘LIV Golf is a player’s league. We thrive on competition and want every chance to test ourselves at the highest level. Moving to 72 holes is the natural evolution that strengthens the game, challenges us more deeply, and gives fans what they’ve been asking for.’
And this is the part most people miss: the shift to 72 holes isn’t just about mimicking traditional tours. It’s about addressing a key barrier to LIV’s acceptance—Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, which are crucial for entry into golf’s four majors. LIV players like Rahm (currently 71st in the world) and Dustin Johnson (604th) have seen their rankings slip, but this change could pave the way for reintegration into the global golf ecosystem. Johnson himself noted, ‘Playing 72 holes feels more like the major tournaments we grew up with. There’s something special about the grind of four rounds.’
But not everyone is convinced. Critics argue that LIV’s team-based format, which runs alongside individual competitions, could still compromise the integrity of individual performances—a concern the OWGR has yet to fully address. Bryson DeChambeau, another LIV star, pointed out, ‘The game needs a path forward where the best players compete against each other, especially in the majors. This is a step in that direction.’ Yet, the question remains: will this be enough to bridge the divide between LIV and the PGA Tour?
LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil framed the move as a ‘pivotal new chapter,’ stating, ‘The world’s most successful leagues—IPL, EPL, NBA, MLB, NFL—constantly innovate and evolve. As an emerging league, we’re no different.’ But is this evolution or a calculated concession? BBC golf correspondent Iain Carter notes that this is LIV’s most significant change since O’Neil replaced Greg Norman as CEO last year, marking a voluntary abandonment of one of its core differentiators.
Players like Rahm have long advocated for the 72-hole format, arguing it would help unify the sport. However, reconciliation between the Saudi-backed circuit and the PGA Tour still seems distant. LIV’s announcement of an expanded qualification pathway this week is another olive branch, but will it be enough to sway the OWGR? Or is LIV simply polishing its image while maintaining its disruptive spirit?
Here’s the bold question for you: Is LIV Golf’s shift to 72 holes a genuine effort to integrate with traditional golf, or a strategic move to gain legitimacy without sacrificing its unique identity? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
