LIV Golf To Switch To 72 Holes Tournaments In 2026

LIV Golf will switch to the traditional 72 holes format for all formats in the 2026 season in the biggest change since the launch of the tour in 2022.

Since its inception, LIV Golf was noted for a unique 54-hole, three-day format – playing on LIV’s name as the Roman numeral for 54.

Events began on Fridays – or occasionally Thursdays – with a shotgun start, all players on the course at the same time, a condensed schedule and an emphasis on fan engagement and entertainment.

The move to a four-day for the 2026 LIV Golf season, 72-hole structure means tournaments will now start on Thursdays and end on Sundays.

Although LIV Golf is matching the format of the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, there will still be no cut with the fields remaining at 52 players and 13 teams of four.

LIV Golf executives described the decision to switch to the 72-hole format as both a response to momentum and a strategic evolution – but the most likely factor is the failure to secure Official World Golf Ranking acceptance.

Players and fans have pushed for a format more in line with traditional professional golf in a bid to ensure LIV Golf ranking points can be introduced.

LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil said: “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.

“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.”

The new 72-hole schedule will take full effect with the opening event of 2026 in Riyadh in February.