Imagine a golf league that's been turning heads by ditching tradition, and now it's about to add even more drama to the course—what could this shift mean for the players, the fans, and the entire world of professional golf? Let's dive into the latest buzz around LIV Golf's bold plan to extend its tournaments to a full 72 holes starting in the 2026 season, bringing it more in line with the established circuits like the PGA Tour. But here's where it gets controversial: is this move a step toward unity, or just another flashpoint in the ongoing rivalry that's divided the sport?
Back in 2022, LIV Golf launched with a fresh, unconventional approach—events squeezed into just 54 holes, which sparked debates and kept players from earning those coveted Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points. For beginners wondering about OWGR, think of it as the global scoreboard that determines a golfer's standing, much like a leaderboard that influences invitations to the sport's biggest events, such as the Masters, PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and The Open Championship. Without those points, LIV players have seen their rankings plummet—take Jon Rahm, a two-time major winner and former world number one, who's now ranked 71st, while another ex-top dog, Dustin Johnson, sits at a staggering 604th. This unconventional format played a big role in that drop, making it harder for these talents to compete on the international stage.
From next year, though, LIV events are getting a makeover. Instead of wrapping up by Sunday, most tournaments will kick off on Thursday, stretching the action over four days—except for February's LIV Golf Riyadh, which starts on a Wednesday. This expansion to 72 holes aims to mirror the 'grind' of traditional tournaments, as Johnson put it, offering that classic feel of four full rounds that fans and players have known for years. Picture it like upgrading from a quick sprint to a marathon: it tests endurance, strategy, and skill in ways that shorter formats just can't.
Players are thrilled, and who can blame them? Rahm, fresh off his second consecutive LIV title in August, called it 'a win for the league and the players.' He emphasized that LIV is all about the competitors, giving them more chances to hone their craft and go head-to-head at the elite level. 'Moving to 72 holes is the logical next step that strengthens the competition, tests us more fully, and, if the growing galleries from last season are any indication, delivers more of what the fans want,' Rahm added, hinting at how this could boost attendance and excitement. Johnson echoed those sentiments, saying it 'feels a little more like the big tournaments we've all grown up playing,' appreciating the extra challenge of four rounds.
Bryson DeChambeau, another LIV star, chimed in with a broader perspective: '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.' This hints at the underlying desire for LIV players to reclaim spots in those prestigious events, where OWGR points are crucial for entry.
On the practical side, each regular-season LIV event will now decide the individual winner through 72 holes of stroke play—think of it as counting every putt and drive over four days, just like in the majors. The team competitions will run alongside, with a team's total scores from individual play determining the group winner, blending personal glory with squad spirit.
LIV Golf's CEO, Scott O'Neil, summed it up as 'a pivotal new chapter' that '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.' He drew comparisons to successful leagues like the IPL (Indian Premier League), EPL (English Premier League), NBA, MLB, and NFL, which constantly evolve to keep fans hooked. As a newer circuit, LIV is following suit, adapting to stay relevant in a competitive landscape.
And this is the part most people miss: according to BBC golf correspondent Iain Carter's analysis, this isn't just a tweak—it's the biggest shake-up since O'Neil took over from Greg Norman last year. LIV is voluntarily shedding one of its core differences from traditional tours, the shorter format, which has been a point of contention. Players like Rahm have pushed for this, with the Spaniard telling BBC Sport during his debut LIV season that adding a fourth round would help unify the game. Yet, despite these hopes, Carter notes that a merger with the PGA Tour seems unlikely, especially with LIV's deep Saudi Arabian funding raising eyebrows and ethical questions.
This extension could pave the way for LIV to finally gain OWGR recognition, but the league's team-based structure might still pose issues, potentially diluting the focus on individual brilliance—a key concern that derailed their initial bid. On the flip side, LIV recently unveiled a broader qualification path for players, another step that might boost their global standing. Carter also points out that many LIV big names have stumbled in recent majors, so returning to 72-hole events could sharpen their skills and better prepare them for those high-stakes tournaments that define the sport. For example, imagine if players like Rahm or Johnson regain their majors form through this extra practice—what a spectacle that could be!
But here's the controversy: Is this truly about 'the good of the game,' as DeChambeau suggests, or a strategic ploy by LIV to legitimize its Saudi-backed model and challenge the status quo? Critics argue the funding source ties into broader geopolitical debates, while supporters see it as innovation. And let's not forget the team aspect—some purists might say it undermines pure individual competition, favoring group dynamics over solo heroics. What do you think? Will this 72-hole shift finally bridge the divide between LIV and traditional golf, or deepen the rift? Does the potential for better major performances outweigh concerns about rankings and ethics? Share your opinions in the comments—do you agree this is progress, or is it just more of the same drama?
