LIV Golf expands to 72 holes to aim for world ranking points

During the pro-am round of LIV Golf's Bedminster Invitational tournament, held on July 28, 2022, in Bedminster, NJ, league signage was displayed (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File). LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed league known for its 54-hole, shotgun events, has announced its expansion to 72 holes for the 2026 season. This decision includes the addition of some extra qualifying spots, which could strengthen its bid for recognition by the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).

The league's name, the Roman numeral for 54, reflects its faster pace, spanning three rounds instead of the usual four on other tours. Despite the expansion, simultaneous starts will be retained in a league that will likely feature 57 players. LIV had previously indicated it would select the top two available players from the International Series rankings on the Asian Tour, as well as two players from the qualifying tournament in January.

Scott O'Neil, CEO of LIV Golf, did not mention the OWGR in Tuesday's announcement, noting that the switch to 72 holes represents a "crucial new chapter" that strengthens the league and challenges players. "The most successful leagues in the world continue to innovate and evolve their product, and as an emerging league, we are no different," O'Neil said. "LIV Golf will always have its sights set on progress that benefits both the league and the sport.".

Bryson DeChambeau, two-time U.S. Open champion and a prominent figure in LIV Golf, clearly expressed what the switch to 72 holes will mean. “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,” DeChambeau said in a statement released by LIV. “By moving to 72 holes, LIV Golf is taking a proactive step to align itself with the globally recognized historic format. This is a fantastic evolution of the LIV Golf product, demonstrating how our league listens and adapts to create the best possible experience.”.

The LIV Golf Promotions event is scheduled for January 8-11 at Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto, Florida, a Tom Fazio design featuring a dramatic final stretch built around a quarry. This will be the first qualifying event held in North America, the other two having taken place in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi. The PGA Tour has reacted by saying there would be repercussions for any player attempting to qualify.

The PGA Tour has stated that any member involved with LIV Golf Promotions will not receive a permit due to media rights issues related to a competing tour in North America. The nature of any sanctions was not specified, citing the Tour's policy of not disclosing disciplinary matters. Furthermore, any non-member, such as an amateur or someone whose status has not been determined on the PGA Tour Americas, will be barred from all PGA Tour competitions for one year.

The Promotions event will take place a week before the start of the PGA Tour season, following the cancellation of The Sentry due to water issues in Kapalua, Hawaii. It is unclear whether LIV Golf will add a 14th team to its league. The team competition will remain unchanged, and all four rounds will count. It has not been clarified how the team championship will be determined at the end of the season.

The OWGR initially rejected LIV Golf's application to award world ranking points, primarily due to its closed structure, where the same 54 players compete year-round, with the exception of substitutes for injured players. There were also concerns that team competition could compromise the integrity of individual competition, as it is based on the same scoring system. While other tours do award world ranking points for 54-hole competitions, LIV Golf submitted a new application in June before deciding to expand to 72 holes.

The OWGR is considered crucial, as all four majors use the ranking to determine their player fields. The U.S. Open and the British Open have created a separate ranking category for LIV players, while the PGA Championship has used its vague “special invitations” to offer opportunities to LIV players. The Masters has also indicated that it may use its invitations at its discretion to include LIV players it deems worthy of a spot.

LIV events will run from Thursday to Sunday, with the exception of those held in Saudi Arabia, which will conclude on Saturday. “This is a win for the league and the players,” said Jon Rahm, who has won the individual title in both of his years with LIV. “Moving to 72 holes is the next logical step that strengthens the competition and tests us more thoroughly, and if last season’s growing crowds are any indication, it delivers more of what the fans want.”.

Dustin Johnson commented that a 72-hole event “just feels a little more like the big tournaments we all grew up with.” LIV Golf will begin its fifth season February 4-7 in Saudi Arabia. It remains to be seen whether players will switch teams or try to earn a spot in the league, which offers $20 million in prize money and no cuts.