LIV Golf announces 72-hole format for 2026 season

LIV Golf announced today that beginning in 2026, all events will be played over 72 holes, Since its inception, LIV Golf events have featured a three-day 54-hole competition, playing the majority of events from Friday through Sunday. In 2026, all events will be played over four days, generally beginning on Thursday of event weeks (Wednesday, February 4 for LIV Golf Riyadh presented by ROSHN).

“As we enter our fourth season as a League, the move to 72 holes marks a pivotal new chapter for LIV Golf that strengthens our League, challenges our elite field of players, and delivers more of the world-class golf, energy, innovation and access that our global audience wants,” said Scott O’Neil, LIV Golf CEO.

For each regular season event, the individual competition will be decided over 72 holes of stroke play, while the team competition will continue to run concurrently, with each team’s cumulative individual stroke play scores determining the team’s result. Central to LIV Golf’s identity and offering, the shotgun starts remain, ensuring the condensed, faster-paced event experience embraced by players and fans. The format for the season-ending Team Championship will be announced at a later date.

LIV players’ reactions

“This is a win for the league, and the players,” said Jon Rahm, Legion XIII Captain and the two-time reigning Individual Champion. “LIV Golf is a player’s league. We are competitors to the core and we want every opportunity to compete at the highest level and to perfect our craft. Moving to 72 holes is the logical next step that strengthens the competition, tests us more fully, and if the growing galleries from last season are any indication, delivers more of what the fans want.”

“Everyone wants to see the best players in the world competing against each other, especially in the majors, and for the good of the game, we need a path forward,” said Bryson DeChambeau, Crushers CG Captain. “By moving to 72 holes, LIV Golf is taking a proactive step to align with the historic format recognized globally. This is a fantastic evolution of the LIV Golf product, showing how our League listens and adapts to create the best possible experience.”

“I’m excited to see the League make this shift,” said Joaquin Niemann, Torque GC Captain. “Moving to 72 holes means more competition, which is what we want. We’re here to compete every round, and this evolution delivers that for our team. More time on-course means more opportunity, whether it’s visibility, performance, or delivering for our fans.”

“I think it’s a great move for the League and I’m excited for it. Playing 72 holes just feels a little more like the big tournaments we’ve all grown up playing. I’ve always liked the grind of four rounds – it gives the best players a chance to rise to the top,” said Dustin Johnson, 4Aces GC Captain. “LIV Golf has been a great experience from the start, and I think this makes it even better for the fans and for us out there competing.”

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