LIV becomes LXXII

LIV GOLF GOES TO 72 HOLES

In a big shake-up for the Saudi-backed league, LIV Golf League has officially announced that beginning in the 2026 season it will adopt a 72-hole, four-round format for all its tournaments — moving away from its three-round, 54-hole structure that had defined the league since its launch.

The move is significant because the “54-hole” format (three rounds) was part of LIV’s identity from day one — in fact the league’s name “LIV” is the Roman numeral for 54. But now LIV is aligning more closely with the established major tours which traditionally play four rounds. According to the official pronouncements, LIV events in 2026 will generally begin on Thursday, play through Sunday, and maintain the shotgun-start and team/individual dual competition structure.

LIV’s CEO, Scott O'Neil, described it as “a pivotal new chapter” for the league. “The move to 72 holes … 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.”

Stars on the tour welcomed the change. Two-time major champion Jon Rahm (and reigning LIV individual champion) said:

“This is a win for the League, and the players … Moving to 72 holes is the logical next step that strengthens the competition, tests us more fully, and … delivers more of what the fans want.”

Meanwhile Dustin Johnson put it more bluntly:

“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.”

And Bryson DeChambeau weighed in:

“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.”

One key reason for the shift to four rounds is LIV’s ongoing effort to earn recognition from the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). The 54-hole no-cut format was among the issues cited when LIV’s initial application for ranking-points eligibility was rejected.

Looking ahead to schedule details, LIV has already confirmed its opening stop for 2026 will be in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (February 5-7) followed by the return to Australia for the LIV Golf Adelaide 2026 event at The Grange Golf Club in Adelaide from February 13-15, 2026.

The Adelaide stop has become one of the Tour’s brightest fixtures. Adelaide has been confirmed as LIV’s exclusive Australian home through to 2031, under a multi-year extension with the state government. The tournament at The Grange will continue to combine both individual and team competition, along with the league’s signature shotgun start and festival-style fan experience (live music, entertainment zones, hospitality). Adelaide will serve as an early test of the new structure — all while keeping the fan-friendly LIV presentation front and centre.