### LIV Golf's Transition to 72-Hole Format: A Major Shift in Professional Golf LIV Golf, the Saudi Arabia-backed golf league, has announced a significant change to its tournament structure, moving from a 54-hole format to a traditional 72-hole format starting in the 2026 season. This decision marks a pivotal moment for the league, which has been operating under the 54-hole format since its inception in 2022. The shift aims to align more closely with established golf traditions and enhance the league's credibility, particularly in its pursuit of Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) recognition. The change is expected to impact player participation and the overall competitive landscape of professional golf. ### Breakdown of LIV Golf's Format Change 1. **Format Transition**: LIV Golf will switch to a 72-hole format for all tournaments starting in 2026, moving away from the previously used 54-hole structure [https://firstsportz.com/phil-mickelson-liv-golf-switching-72-hole-format]. 2. **Rationale for Change**: The league aims to gain OWGR points, which would enhance its legitimacy and attract more players [https://apnews.com/article/liv-golf-saudi-72-holes-pga-tour-a931c7eb3e1af45ed0a6e999a0b93947]. 3. **Player Reactions**: While some players, like Rory McIlroy, have called the move "peculiar," others, such as Jon Rahm, view it as a positive step for the league and its players [https://www.skysports.com/golf/news/12176/13463917/liv-golf-expanding-tournament-format-to-72-holes-in-2026-rory-mcilroy-calls-it-a-peculiar-move-but-jon-rahm-says-this-is-a-win-for-the-league-and-the-players]. 4. **Event Structure**: The new format will feature four rounds of stroke play, with team competitions running concurrently, allowing for cumulative individual scores to determine overall results [https://www.yardbarker.com/golf/articles/liv_golf_adopts_72_hole_format_a_bid_for_owgr_recognition/s1_17210_43016734]. ### Supporting Evidence for the Format Change - **Historical Context**: LIV Golf has operated under a 54-hole format since its launch in 2022, which was a departure from traditional golf formats [https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikefore/2025/11/04/liv-golf-announces-format-change-to-72-holes-in-2026]. - **OWGR Recognition**: The move to 72 holes is seen as a strategic effort to meet OWGR criteria, which could significantly boost the league's standing in the global golf community [https://www.golfmonthly.com/news/liv-golf-league-expands-format-72-holes]. - **Player Participation**: The change is expected to attract more players who are seeking OWGR points, thereby increasing the competitiveness of LIV Golf events [https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/golf/2025/11/04/liv-golf-72-holes-format-change-2026-season/87090323007]. ### Conclusion: A Strategic Move for LIV Golf In summary, LIV Golf's transition to a 72-hole format represents a **strategic evolution** aimed at enhancing its credibility and competitive edge in the professional golf landscape. 1. **Format Change**: The league will adopt a 72-hole structure starting in 2026, moving away from its original 54-hole format. 2. **Goals**: This change is primarily motivated by the desire to gain OWGR recognition, which would validate the league's standing in the sport. 3. **Player Impact**: Reactions among players are mixed, but the potential for increased participation and competition is evident. 4. **Future Outlook**: As LIV Golf continues to grow, this format change could significantly influence the dynamics of professional golf, aligning it more closely with traditional tournament structures. This comprehensive shift is poised to reshape the future of LIV Golf and its role in the broader golfing world [https://lovelivegolf.com/liv-golf-2026-72-hole-format].