Crushers GC captain Bryson DeChambeau one of the stellar attractions of the LIV Golf League, has welcomed the 72-hole format for the 2026 season Image courtesy LIV Golf.
By Rahul Banerji
After three years of criticism that it’s 54-hole format was too “soft”, LIV Golf events from its 2026 season will be played over 72 holes, that is, four days of competition.
This brings it in line with major men’s professional circuits, including the PGA Tour, the DP World (European) Tour, the Asian Tour and also the domestic Professional Golf Tour of India.
In a statement on Tuesday, the league said the move marked the “next chapter of LIV Golf’s mission to grow and celebrate the sport for a new era of players and fans around the world.
“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).
“The same high-energy, team and individual competition format remains core to the League’s DNA, along with the world-class event experiences that are central to LIV Golf’s impact on and off the course”.
New chapter
“… 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 LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neill.
”We’re seeing upward momentum and traction from Hong Kong to Adelaide to Indianapolis, and that heightened interest opens the door to add another day of golf while benefiting our fans, players, marketing partners, and our global media partners.
“The most successful leagues around the world — IPL, EPL, NBA, MLB, NFL – continue to innovate and evolve their product, and as an emerging league, we are no different.
“LIV Golf will always have an eye towards progress that acts in the best interest of LIV Golf and in the best interest of the sport.”
At regular season events, individual competition will be decided over 72 holes of stroke play.
The team competition will continue to run concurrently, with cumulative individual stroke play scores determining the team’s result.
Shotgun stays
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 Golf said.
“This is a win for the League, and the players,” said Legion XIII captain and two-time individual champion Jon Rahm.
“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.”
Path forward
Added Crushers GC captain Bryson DeChambeau, “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.
“By moving to 72 holes, LIV Golf is taking a proactive step to align with the historic format recognised 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 Torque GC captain Joaquin Niemann.
“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.”
Welcome move
Said 4Aces skipper Dustin Johnson, ”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.
“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.”
In 2026, LIV Golf’s global schedule will cover 10 countries across five continents, with 11 of the League’s 14 events already announced including a first-time foray into Africa.
Also read: Legion XIII pip Crushers for LIV team title in a nail-biting playoff
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