LIV Golf switching to 72-hole format in 2026: official

NEW YORK: LIV Golf will abandon its abbreviated 54-hole format in favor of 72-hole tournaments in 2026, officials said Tuesday.

The Saudi-backed circuit, whose name is derived from the Roman numeral for ‘54’, had previously touted its three-round tournaments as a core distinction from traditional golf events.

However, the 54-hole format prevented LIV events from earning Official Golf World Rankings points, making it harder for LIV players to qualify for golf’s majors.

A statement from LIV on Tuesday said the circuit’s events will now be played over four days, with most starting on a Thursday.

“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,” LIV Golf chief executive Scott O’Neil said.

“The most successful leagues around the world ...continue to innovate and evolve their product, and as an emerging league, we are no different,” O’Neil added.

“LIV Golf will always have an eye toward progress that acts in the best interest of LIV Golf and in the best interest of the sport.”

The decision to adopt the 72-hole format also boosts the chances of LIV reaching an agreement with the PGA Tour over unifying golf. The two circuit’s different formats had reportedly been a key stumbling block in ongoing negotiations.

The circuit’s decision was welcomed by LIV’s biggest stars, with former world No. 1 Jon Rahm describing it as “a win for the League and the players.”

“We are competitors to the core and we want every opportunity to compete at the highest level and to perfect our craft,” Rahm said in a statement.

Two-time major champion Bryson DeChambeau said he hoped the move would enable more LIV players