Hold onto your hats, golf fans, because the LIV-PGA saga has taken a dramatic turn! After years of championing its unique 54-hole format, LIV Golf is shaking things up in a major way, switching to the traditional 72-hole tournaments. But what does this mean for the future of golf? Let's dive in.
For those unfamiliar, LIV Golf burst onto the scene with a bold new approach, attracting top players with the promise of lucrative payouts and a quicker game. The shorter, three-round format was a key selling point, drawing stars like Dustin Johnson. The allure of big money in a condensed timeframe was enough to make players jump ship.
Now, the tables have turned. LIV Golf has announced that all events in 2026 will be played over 72 holes, aligning with the established format of the PGA Tour and major championships.
But here's where it gets controversial... This decision marks a significant shift, especially considering LIV's initial strategy. The change is a direct response to the need for world ranking points, which have been a sticking point for LIV players. Without these points, their ability to qualify for major tournaments is severely impacted.
Former US Open and Masters champion, Dustin Johnson, is among those welcoming the change. "I think it’s a great move for the League and I’m excited for it,” he said, adding that the longer format "feels a little more like the big tournaments we’ve all grown up playing."
Bryson DeChambeau echoed this sentiment, calling it a "win" for the breakaway tour. He emphasized the importance of seeing the best players compete in majors and sees the move as a step toward aligning with the globally recognized format.
Jon Rahm, who won the LIV individual title in 2025, also weighed in, highlighting the increased challenge for players and the potential to deliver more of what fans want.
Under the leadership of Scott O’Neil, LIV has been aggressively pursuing recognition from the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). The lack of 72-hole tournaments was a major hurdle, but now the change has been made.
This decision is a critical step towards greater legitimacy for the tour. It's a move that has left many golf insiders and analysts scratching their heads. The shift to a 72-hole format is seen as a way to appease the OWGR and potentially pave the way for a more unified golf landscape.
What do you think? Is this a sign of progress, or does it further blur the lines between the two tours? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
