LIV Shifts from 54-Hole to 72-Hole Tournament Format

The LIV Golf League has announced a significant change to its tournament format starting next year. The league will transition from its traditional 54-hole structure to a conventional 72-hole tournament format. This shift aligns LIV with established golf tours and reflects a broader strategy to gain recognition within the Official World Golf Ranking.

LIV’s Transition to 72-Hole Format

From 2024, each regular-season event will feature 72 holes of stroke play. The league will maintain its individual and team components while using the shotgun-start format. Most tournaments are slated to take place between Thursday and Sunday, though it remains uncertain if there will be a halfway cut.

Rationale Behind the Change

The decision to adopt a 72-hole format is part of LIV’s effort to enhance its competitive standing. Jon Rahm, the league’s two-time individual season champion, has championed this change since joining LIV in late 2023. “This is a win for the league and the players,” he stated. He emphasized the need for competitors to test their skills fully and meet fan expectations.

Historical Context of 54-Hole Format

• The 54-hole format was introduced by former CEO Greg Norman, touted as a revolutionary approach.
• Skeptics often questioned the legitimacy of results derived from shorter tournaments.

By shifting to the standardized 72-hole format, LIV aims to strengthen competitive integrity and enhance player experiences. The league’s move is viewed as a strategic response to address criticisms and improve its standing in the golf community.

Upcoming Events and Recognition

In addition to the format changes, LIV Golf has announced that the top two finishers in the January promotional event at Black Diamond Ranch in Florida will secure places for the 2026 season. This also applies to the leading players from the Asian Tour’s International Series standings.

This new direction marks a pivotal moment for LIV Golf as it aims to both grow its fan base and increase its legitimacy within the golfing world.