LIV Golf will shift to a 72-hole, four-day tournament format in 2026, sparking speculation about new teams and branding.
LIV Golf is entering a new chapter as it transitions to a 72-hole format starting in the 2026 season. CEO Scott O’Neil announced the change, stating that tournaments will now span four days instead of three. ‘As we enter our fourth season, the move to 72 holes marks a pivotal new chapter for LIV Golf. It strengthens our league, challenges our elite players, and delivers even more world-class golf, energy, innovation, and accessibility that our global audience seeks,’ said O’Neil.
Since its inception, LIV Golf has held three-day, 54-hole tournaments, a format that broke with golf tradition and was reflected in the league’s name—LIV being the Roman numeral for 54. Starting in 2026, events will typically run from Thursday to Sunday, aligning with formats used by the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. Individual stroke play will remain the standard for regular-season events, while team competitions will continue in parallel. The popular shotgun starts will also remain, adding dynamic energy to the tournaments. The format for the season-ending Team Championship will be announced later.
Players Welcome the 72-Hole Format
Several top players have voiced support for the change. Jon Rahm, who joined LIV Golf in late 2023, said, ‘LIV Golf is a league built by players. We are competitors at heart and want every opportunity to test ourselves at the highest level. Moving to 72 holes is the natural evolution—it enhances competition, challenges us more, and delivers more of what fans want.’
Dustin Johnson, captain of the 4Aces GC, added, ’72 holes just feels more like the big tournaments we all grew up with. I’ve always enjoyed the grind over four rounds—it gives the best players a chance to rise to the top.’
Bryson DeChambeau, who joined LIV Golf in 2022, noted the league’s alignment with global standards: ‘Moving to 72 holes is a proactive step toward the globally recognized format. It’s a great evolution of the LIV Golf product and shows how the league listens and adapts to create the best possible experience.’
New Trademarks Spark Team Speculation
In addition to the format change, LIV Golf has filed new trademark applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, fueling speculation about potential new teams. The names Real Club de Toros GC, Southern Balindi GC, and Becko East GC have been registered, following the same process used for the league’s existing 13 teams. These trademarks are typically used to market apparel and franchise merchandise.
Fans are speculating online about possible connections, such as Real Club de Toros being linked to Spanish golfer Sergio Garcia. Balindi is a location in West Bengal, India, while the meaning behind Becko East remains unclear. LIV Golf has not officially commented on whether these filings indicate new teams.
For the 2026 season, LIV Golf plans to host 14 events across ten countries on five continents. The season will kick off on February 5 in Riy