LIV Golf to Expand Tournament Format in 2026
LIV Golf announced a major change for their events starting in 2026: all tournaments will be extended from 54 holes to 72 holes, aligning with formats used on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. This change occurs despite the 'LIV' branding referencing the original 54-hole format using Roman numerals.
Background on LIV Golf and Format Change
The Saudi-backed LIV Golf, funded by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), is known for its breakaway circuit. The proposed format revision is believed to help players earn Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, which were previously unavailable in LIV tournaments, according to reports from the Express.
Rory McIlroy's Criticism and Lee Westwood's Response
Rory McIlroy described the LIV format changes as "peculiar" ahead of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Yas Links. In response, Lee Westwood, McIlroy's former Ryder Cup teammate, dismissed the criticism.
"I don't know," Westwood said to talkSPORT when asked about McIlroy's remarks on LIV Golf.
Key Details
- LIV tournaments will adopt a 72-hole format from 2026 onward.
- Format change aims to align LIV Golf with established professional tours.
- Proposed changes could allow LIV players to earn OWGR points.
- McIlroy called the changes "peculiar," but Westwood refrained from engaging deeply.
Summary: LIV Golf plans to standardize its tournament length to 72 holes in 2026, seeking official ranking recognition, amidst mixed reactions from top golfers like Rory McIlroy and Lee Westwood.
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