The new LIV Golf League season kicks off on February 4 with new players and rules. An overview of the teams and all key changes.
The LIV Golf season launches on February 4 with several changes and new faces. In addition to format adjustments, prize money and point systems have been revised.
More Holes, More Prize Money, and More Points
The LIV Golf League begins 2026 with an expanded competition concept. More rounds, an enhanced points system, and increased prize money bring several changes for the new season. A total of 57 players, including 52 permanent team members and five wildcard players, form the field. They are distributed across 13 teams, each with four pros plus the wildcards who compete only in the individual competition. A total of 14 events will be played, featuring both team and individual rankings.
New Points System: Every Point Counts in the Prize Money Battle
For 2026, LIV Golf introduces a comprehensive new points system. Each event awards a total of 1,000 individual points, with the winner receiving 200 points. Crucially, every placement earns points, replacing the previous all-or-nothing system.
There is also a paradigm shift in the team rankings. While previously only the top 8 teams earned points, now all teams are rewarded. The winner receives 30 points, second place gets 15, and even the last-placed team earns two points, keeping every team competitively relevant until the final day.
The financial dimension also grows significantly: the weekly team prize money doubles from five to ten million dollars. Additionally, from 2026, each team receives prize money based on their placing, not only the top teams. Furthermore, a new individual prize money model awards 2.3 million euros weekly among the top individual players of podium teams. Overall, 470 million euros in prize money are up for grabs this season.
Team Championship as the Grand Finale of the LIV Golf Tour
The season concludes with the 14th event, the Team Championship, dedicated solely to the team title. Initially played in match play format: in quarterfinals and semifinals, each team competes in two singles matches (1-on-1) plus a four-ball match. Sunday’s final is stroke play format, with all four team players playing together and all scores counting. The lowest total score ultimately decides the season’s team champion.
Teams Overview
A notable new focus among the teams is on national identity. More teams embody a national approach and emphasize cultural identity. The former Iron Heads GC competes in 2026 as Korean Golf Club, highlighting Korean cultural identity. Southern Guard GC (formerly Stinger Golf Club) focuses on South African culture and identity. There are also distinctly national teams like Ripper GC (Australian), Majesticks GC (English), and Fireballs GC (Spanish).
With 10 players leaving the league and new wildcard spots, a total of 12 roster changes have occurred in the teams.
Cleeks Golf Club: Martin Kaymer, Richard Bland, Adrian Meronk, Victor Perez (new for Frederik Kjet