Huge Twist in LIV-PGA War as LIV Golf Shifts Format
After more than three years of promoting its 54-hole tournaments, LIV Golf announced a major change by switching all its 2026 events to the traditional 72-hole format. This marks a dramatic turn for the Saudi-backed tour, which originally attracted players by offering shorter, three-round competitions.
Significant Departure from Original Format
LIV Golf, named after the Roman numeral for 54, had used the condensed three-day format as a key selling point when recruiting players from the PGA Tour in its first four seasons. The appeal of competing for large prize pools in fewer rounds had drawn top names like Dustin Johnson, shaking up the sport.
Players Welcome the Change
On Wednesday, several high-profile LIV players, including Dustin Johnson, expressed support for the return to the traditional four-round structure.
“I think it’s a great move for the League and I’m excited for it,” said Johnson, the former US Open and Masters champion. “Playing 72 holes just feels a little more like the big tournaments we’ve all grown up playing.”
“I’ve always liked the grind of four rounds – it gives the best players a chance to rise to the top.”
“LIV Golf has been a great experience from the start, and I think this makes it even better for the fans and for us out there competing.”
Implications for the Future
This shift is seen as part of LIV Golf's strategy to gain official world rankings points, aligning more closely with the traditional formats favored on the world stage and perhaps softening tensions in its ongoing rivalry with the PGA Tour.
Fans and competitors alike may see this as an important step toward stabilizing the golf landscape amid the disruption caused by LIV Golf’s initial innovative format.
Author’s summary: LIV Golf’s bold move to adopt the 72-hole format signals a strategic pivot aimed at legitimacy and integration, welcomed by players and potentially reshaping professional golf’s future.