LIV Golf says goodbye to 54-hole format by introducing a new format ahead of the 2026 season

Since their inception back in 2022, LIV Golf has stayed in the middle of the spotlight for different reasons. One of the main factors for which it often faced criticism was the three-day 54-hole format of the Saudi PIF-backed golf league.

For the past few weeks, there have been multiple reports suggesting that the breakaway tour is trying to appease the OWGR for inclusion in global ranking points. Their recent developments include the introduction of new pathways that will allow more non-contracted golfers to be a part of the tour. Amidst all these alterations, LIV Golf is now planning to bring a massive change.

According to recent updates, the Saudi golf circuit is ditching the 54-hole competitive format from this moment. So, from the next season, all events of the breakaway tour will feature an expanded 72-hole format like the traditional golf tours (PGA and European Tour). The update on LIV Golf was also shared by NUCLR GOLF on their X (previously Twitter) timeline.

It's worth noting that this 54-hole format of the Saudi professional golf circuit was one of the main reasons behind their OWGR exclusion. When Greg Norman was the CEO of LIV Golf, the league filed a bid for its inclusion. Soon after their request was turned down, Peter Dawson, the then-President of the Official World Golf Rankings, heavily slammed the tour over their no-cut 54-hole format.

With the new 72-hole format at play, LIV events in 2026 will see players teeing up for the first round on Thursday. Instead of three rounds, the results of the Individual competition will be decided over four rounds of stroke-play. The team competition format, based on the total points earned by each team member, will also remain the same.

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LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil shares his honest take regarding the new 72-hole format of the tour

The CEO of the PIF-backed golf league recently emphasized the future of the tour as a global league while talking about the updated spots of the upcoming Promotions. Today, Scott O'Neil talked about the expanded four-round format of the league. In a press release today, O'Neil said (as quoted by LIV):

"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..."

According to O'Neil, the improvement and growth pioneered the massive change from the initial 54-hole format. The CEO of the breakaway tour also said in his statement:

"We’re seeing upward momentum and traction from Hong Kong to Adelaide to Indianapolis... that heightened interest opens the door to add another day of golf..."

Amidst the new developments regarding the 72-hole format, LIV golfers like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson and Joaquin Niemann have openly lauded the breakaway tour. According to Rahm, this change is "a win for the league".

Edited by Pravashis Biswas