LIV Golf to expand to 72-hole events from 2026 in major format shift

Jon Rahm of Legion XIII celebrates after making the winning putt on the 17th hole during Day Two of LIV Michigan at The Cardinal. Photo / Getty Images

LIV Golf has announced a major change to its format, extending tournaments to four rounds starting from the 2026 season.

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.

Kiwis Danny Lee and Ben Campbell competed in the 2025 season and are hoping to regain their spots for 2026, with team members yet to be confirmed.

“As we enter our fourth season, 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,” LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil said.

“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,” he added.

“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.”

For each regular season event, the individual competition will be decided over 72 holes of stroke play, while the team competition will continue to run concurrently, with each team’s cumulative individual stroke play scores determining the team’s result.

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.

“This is a win for the League, and the players,” said Jon Rahm, Legion XIII captain and the two-time reigning Individual Champion.

“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.”

Two-time major champion Bryson DeChambeau called it a “fantastic evolution” to match the same format as the PGA Tour.

“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,” said the Crushers CG captain.

“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.”