LIV Golf increases field size to 57 while also including 13 teams, among other changes

LIV Golf has announced major changes to its 2026 season, including a larger field, more teams, and better chances for players to qualify. The regular season will now feature 57 players competing in 13 four-player teams, along with five Wild Card entries, giving more opportunities for golfers to compete in the league.

These changes are made ahead of the third Promotions event, from January 8 to 11, 2026, at Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto, Florida. The four-day, 72-hole stroke play event will allow players to earn spots in the 2026 LIV Golf League and exemptions into the Asian Tour’s International Series.

This year, the top three finishers at the Promotions event will get full-season Wild Card entries in the 2026 league, an increase from the previously announced two spots. The top 10 finishers, including ties, will also gain full exemption into the 2026 International Series. These updates give more players a clear path to compete as Wild Cards across the league’s 13 regular-season events.

“LIV Golf is committed to moving the sport forward by expanding opportunity and access... Adding another qualifying spot strengthens our field and adds excitement to a season built on opportunity, competition and growth,” said CEO Scott O’Neil, via LIV Golf.

The top three finishers will join Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent and Japan’s Yosuke Asaji, who secured their spots through the 2025 International Series, which concluded last month at the PIF Saudi International at Riyadh Golf Club.

The Promotions event highlights the league’s global reach with 83 players from 24 countries already signed up. The league has also added updates to the Official World Golf Ranking points.

OWGR talks with LIV Golf continue ahead of 2026

The Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) has confirmed that discussions with the Saudi-backed league on awarding ranking points are ongoing, though no final decision has been reached. Trevor Immelman, OWGR chairman and former Masters champion, provided an update on December 30, noting that progress has been made, but the board was reviewing the league’s application.

"Since the end of June, the Governing Board has endeavored to thoroughly evaluate the LIV Golf application... Discussions have been regular and remain ongoing. Progress has been made, but there is no decision to share at this time. We will continue to work closely with LIV Golf as it continues to evolve to ensure its application is handled with fairness, integrity and consistency,” Immelman said. (via Golfweek)

No confirmation has yet been given on whether the league’s events will count toward world ranking points. Securing OWGR points has been a top priority for CEO Scott O’Neil since taking over from Greg Norman last season.

The update comes shortly after Brooks Koepka announced his exit from the league, leaving a year remaining on his contract.

Edited by Hitesh Nigam