Change of era in the LIV universe. The league driven by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) has announced that from 2026, all its tournaments will be played over 72 holes and four days, breaking away from the three-day, 54-hole format that has been its hallmark since its inception in 2022. A decision that represents a structural and symbolic shift: the initials LIV —which in Roman numerals mean 54— no longer correspond to the reality of the circuit.
The change, confirmed this Tuesday from New York, is what CEO Scott O’Neil defines as “the next phase of the League’s growth,” and points in a clear direction: bringing LIV Golf closer to the standards of global golf, both in terms of sport and recognition. The move is also interpreted as another step towards the world ranking, which had identified the 54 holes as one of the main obstacles to awarding points.
Among the supporters of this evolution are Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Joaquín Niemann, and Dustin Johnson, captains of their respective teams. Rahm, a two-time individual circuit champion, applauded the measure: “We are competitors and want to compete at the highest level. Moving to 72 holes is the logical step to strengthen the competition.” DeChambeau, for his part, described it as “a gesture of alignment with the globally recognised historical format.”
The new calendar, which will extend to ten countries and five continents, will maintain the shotgun start format and the dual individual and team classification. The days will start on Thursdays, with the same entertainment, music, and shows that have characterised LIV’s offering since its foundation.
The change, although paradoxical in a league that was born precisely to break the mould, represents its clearest move towards orthodoxy. LIV Golf leaves behind the 54 holes that gave it its name to embrace the format that defines the major tournaments of world golf.
