LIV Golf is set to adopt a 72-hole format for its events starting from the 2026 season. The move will put LIV in line with the established tours in golf, where most tournaments currently consist of four rounds.
The decision marks a significant change for LIV, which was launched in 2022 with a 54-hole format and took its name from the Roman numeral for 54 - LIV. However, this format had been criticized by players and fans alike, who argued that it didn't provide enough competition or challenge.
In response to the criticism, Jon Rahm, two-time major winner and LIV team captain, expressed his support for the change, saying it's a win for the league and the players. "LIV Golf is a player's league," he said. "We are competitors to the core and we want every opportunity to compete at the highest level and to perfect our craft."
The 72-hole format will be contested from Thursday of tournament weeks, except for a Wednesday start for February's LIV Golf Riyadh event. The team competition will continue to run concurrently, with each team's cumulative individual stroke play scores determining the team result.
LIV's decision to adopt the 4-round format has been seen as a major step towards gaining recognition by the official golf rankings. The move could help boost the league's reputation and provide more opportunities for players to compete at the highest level.
However, some have questioned whether this change will ultimately benefit LIV Golf's quest for recognition. Critics argue that the team format may compromise individual performances, which has been a sticking point when it comes to getting LIV on the official rankings.
In any case, the 72-hole format marks a significant shift in LIV's approach and could have far-reaching implications for the league.
The decision marks a significant change for LIV, which was launched in 2022 with a 54-hole format and took its name from the Roman numeral for 54 - LIV. However, this format had been criticized by players and fans alike, who argued that it didn't provide enough competition or challenge.
In response to the criticism, Jon Rahm, two-time major winner and LIV team captain, expressed his support for the change, saying it's a win for the league and the players. "LIV Golf is a player's league," he said. "We are competitors to the core and we want every opportunity to compete at the highest level and to perfect our craft."
The 72-hole format will be contested from Thursday of tournament weeks, except for a Wednesday start for February's LIV Golf Riyadh event. The team competition will continue to run concurrently, with each team's cumulative individual stroke play scores determining the team result.
LIV's decision to adopt the 4-round format has been seen as a major step towards gaining recognition by the official golf rankings. The move could help boost the league's reputation and provide more opportunities for players to compete at the highest level.
However, some have questioned whether this change will ultimately benefit LIV Golf's quest for recognition. Critics argue that the team format may compromise individual performances, which has been a sticking point when it comes to getting LIV on the official rankings.
In any case, the 72-hole format marks a significant shift in LIV's approach and could have far-reaching implications for the league.
I gotta say, it's about time LIV Golf got its act together... or at least changed its format to something that doesn't make players look like they're stuck in some sort of bizarre experiment 
. The 54-hole thing was always gonna be a no-go, but hey, kudos to Jon Rahm for finally listening to the haters 
. Now we just gotta see if this new format will actually help LIV Golf gain some real credibility... or if it's just another PR stunt 
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. I mean, it makes sense they'd want to level up and make it more legit like the other tours. Now we'll get to see some proper golf with four rounds 
️. It's a win for Jon Rahm and his team, but I'm curious if this change will actually help LIV gain more recognition 
... I'm hyped for this new direction! 
I'm so hyped for LIV Golf!!! 
They're finally switching to a 72-hole format! It's about time, tbh 
The 54-hole thing was super lame and didn't make sense 
It's gonna be so much more competitive and players are gonna love it 
Jon Rahm is totes right, LIV Golf is all about the players! 
We need to see these guys compete at their best and perfect their game 
️ The team format might be cool, but I'm all about individual performances 
Can't wait to see how this new format shakes things up in golf 
It'll be interesting to see how this plays out. Will LIV Golf start to get recognized by the golfing community? Only time will tell 
. Players like Jon Rahm are all for it too, which is cool because he's one of the top players in the league 
. But hey, at least they're trying to get recognized by the official golf rankings 
! LIV Golf is still growing, but this move is definitely a step in the right direction 
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. Maybe we'll finally see some of those talented players taking home major wins 
?