LIV GOLF ANNOUNCES EXPANDED 72-HOLE FORMAT FOR 2026 SEASON AS NEXT PHASE OF GROWTH FOR THE LEAGUE CONTINUES

Move to four days of competition reflects LIV Golf’s global momentum and evolution to deliver more action and entertainment for fans  

New York (Tuesday, November 4, 2025) - LIV Golf announced today that all events in its 2026 season will move from the current 54-hole format to a full 72-hole competition over four days—a significant evolution that reflects both the league’s growing global appeal and its persistent efforts to gain recognition from the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).

Since its launch, LIV Golf has played its tournaments over three days, featuring a fast-paced mix of individual and team competition with shotgun starts that have drawn praise for innovation and entertainment. Starting in 2026, however, each regular-season event will stretch to four days—typically beginning on Thursday—with the individual title to be decided over the traditional 72-hole stroke-play format, while the team competition continues concurrently using cumulative scores.

The shift is more than just fan service; it’s a strategic response to longstanding challenges in securing OWGR points. To date, LIV events have been excluded from the OWGR system, partly due to their 54-hole structure, which falls short of the 72-hole standard typically required for full ranking consideration. The league’s repeated appeals for eligibility—even as it attracted some of the world’s top golfers—have so far been denied, prompting this pivotal format change in an effort to align with global norms and strengthen its case for inclusion.

“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. “We’re seeing upward momentum and traction from Hong Kong to Adelaide to Indianapolis—and part of meeting that momentum is ensuring our product reflects the highest standards of competition. This isn’t just about more golf—it’s about legitimacy, longevity, and serving the best interests of the sport.”

Top players have welcomed the decision, framing it as both a competitive upgrade and a step toward broader acceptance in the golf world.

“This is a win for the League, and the players,” said two-time reigning Individual Champion Jon Rahm, captain of Legion XIII. “LIV Golf is a player’s league. We are competitors to the core and we want every opportunity to compete at the highest level… Moving to 72 holes is the logical next step that strengthens the competition, tests us more fully, and delivers more of what the fans want.”

Bryson DeChambeau, captain of Crushers GC, echoed that sentiment with a clear nod to the OWGR issue: “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 recognized globally.”

The format retains LIV’s signature elements: simultaneous shotgun starts, team dynamics, live music, family-friendly fan zones, and the iconic “Party Hole.” Thursday will now serve as the opening day of competition, featuring the same high-energy atmosphere fans have come to expect, with select events adding live concerts to the new first-day schedule.

The 2026 calendar will include 14 events across 10 countries and five continents—expanding into Africa for the first time—and builds on a 2025 season that saw record attendance, partnership revenue, and a near 90% year-over-year surge in global viewership, boosted by LIV’s U.S. broadcast partnership with FOX Sports.

While LIV has not explicitly stated that OWGR recognition is guaranteed by this format change, the move undeniably removes one of the key structural objections raised by the ranking body. Whether it will be enough remains to be seen—but for now, LIV Golf is betting that more golf, played over more days, is the right formula for both fans and credibility.

Tickets for the 2026 season are now available at LIVGolf.com . Fans are encouraged to purchase early as inventory is limited. For the full schedule, visit LIVGolf.com/Schedule .