LIV Golf is defying its own name and moving to 72 holes for tournament play.
The golf tour announced the change on Tuesday, saying all its tournaments would add 18 holes to bring them up to what has been regarded as the global standard for competitive golf.
“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.
Entering its fifth season in 2026, LIV played all its tournaments at just 54 holes. So strong was its belief in the three-round format that it took the Roman numerals L and IV, which form the number 54, as its name. It was one of the major differences between it and the rival PGA Tour.
The league announced that another part of its format, the shotgun start, will remain with players starting on all 18 holes at the same time rather than just the first and 10th one group after another.
“This is a win for the league, and the players,” said Jon Rahm, the two-time reigning individual champion, in the release. “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.”
While no direct mention was made in the release, the move to 72 holes is likely being driven by LIV players who want to be able to earn points in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). Since its start, LIV has not been recognized by the OWGR system, resulting in its players falling well down the standings.
One of the issues has been the 54-hole tournaments, one round shorter than all other tournaments in the ranking system. A change would make it easier for players on LIV to earn points, leading to spots in the major championships. It has been a sticking point since the league started play.
“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 Bryson DeChambeau, one of the highest-profile LIV players, in the release. “By moving to 72 holes, LIV Golf is taking a proactive step to align with the historic format recognized globally. This is a fantastic evolution of the LIV Golf product, showing how our League listens and adapts to create the best possible experience.”
While this is a positive step for LIV it is also an admission that its original 54-hole format didn’t work as was hoped. It’s unlikely it will result in a name change, so the reminder of how it started with 54 holes will remain.
LIV still has more to do to resonate with fans. While some events, notably in Australia, draw big crowds, in most other locations, including the U.S., the attendance is lacking. And while it has gained some traction with television by securing a broadcast deal in the U.S. with FOX, consistency is an issue with various FOX outlets being used and events being shown at awkward times due to time zone differences.
The 2026 LIV season begins Feb. 5 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
