The LIV Golf League season kicks off on February 4 with new players and revamped rules. Here’s an overview of teams and updates.
The LIV Golf League starts its 2026 season on February 4 featuring several changes and new faces. Apart from format modifications, prize money and points systems have been updated.
More Holes, Higher Prize Money and Expanded Points System
The LIV Golf League launches an expanded competition format in 2026. With more rounds, a broader points system, and increased prize funds, the season brings significant changes. The field includes 57 players: 52 permanent team members plus five wildcard entrants competing in the individual category. Spread across 13 teams, each with four pros plus a wildcard player, a total of 14 events feature both team and individual competitions.
New Points System: Every Point Counts in Prize Money Fight
In 2026, LIV Golf introduces a comprehensive points system awarding 1,000 individual points per event, with the winner receiving 200 points. Crucially, every position earns points, replacing the previous all-or-nothing approach.
The team ranking system also changes; previously only the top eight teams scored points, but now all teams receive rewards. The champion team earns 30 points, second place 15, and even the last-placed team gains two points, keeping all teams competitive until the season’s end.
The financial stakes rise significantly: weekly team prize money doubles from $5 million to $10 million. Each team now earns prize money based on placement, not just the top finishers. Additionally, an individual prize pool of €2.3 million weekly will be distributed among top individual players from podium teams. Overall, €470 million in prize money is available this season.
Team Championship: The Grand Finale of the LIV Golf Tour
The season concludes with the 14th event, the Team Championship, dedicated solely to the team title. It begins with a match play format: quarterfinals and semifinals feature two singles matches per team plus a foursome. Sunday shifts to stroke play where all four team members play together, with all scores counting. The lowest total score wins the team championship for the season.
Teams and Player Lineups Overview
A notable trend among teams is a stronger emphasis on national identity. Several teams now represent specific cultures: the former Iron Heads GC becomes Korean Golf Club highlighting Korean cultural identity; the Southern Guard GC focuses on South African culture; Ripper GC is purely Australian; Majesticks GC strictly English; and Fireballs GC entirely Spanish.
With 10 players leaving and new wildcard slots, there are 12 roster changes across teams.
Cleeks Golf Club: Martin Kaymer, Richard Bland, Adrian Meronk, Victor Perez (new for Frederik Kjettrup)
4 Aces GC: Dustin Johnson, Thomas Detry, Thomas Pieters – Patrick Reed leaves for a PGA Tour return
Crushers GC: Bryson DeChambeau, Paul Casey, Charles Howell III, Anirban Lahiri