The new LIV Golf League season kicks off on February 4 with new players and rules. A full overview of teams and changes.
The LIV Golf season starts on February 4 with several changes and new faces. Besides format adjustments, prize money and point systems have also been revised.
More Holes, More Prize Money and More Points
The LIV Golf League enters 2026 with an expanded competition concept. More rounds, an enhanced points system, and increased prize money bring significant changes for the new season. The field comprises 57 players, including 52 regular team players and five wildcard players. They are divided into 13 teams with four professionals each, supplemented by wildcard players who compete only in the individual ranking. A total of 14 events will be played, featuring both team and individual competitions.
New Points System: Every Point Matters in the Fight for Prize Money
For 2026, LIV Golf introduces a more comprehensive points system. A total of 1,000 individual points are awarded per event, with the winner receiving 200 points. Crucially, every placement earns points, replacing the previous all-or-nothing system.
The team ranking has also undergone a paradigm shift. Previously, only the top 8 teams earned points; now, all teams are rewarded. The winning team gets 30 points, second place 15, and even the last-placed team earns two points, ensuring every team remains competitive until the final day.
The financial dimension grows significantly: the weekly team prize money doubles from five to ten million dollars. From 2026, every team receives prize money based on their placement, no longer only the top finishers. Additionally, a new individual prize money model awards 2.3 million euros per week among the top players of podium teams. Overall, 470 million euros in prize money are up for grabs this season.
Season Finale: Team Championship as the Big LIV Golf Tour Showdown
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 (one-on-one) plus a foursome. Sunday is played as stroke play, with all four team players competing together and all results counting. The team with the lowest total score is crowned season champion.
Teams at a Glance
A notable development is the increased focus on national identity among teams. More teams represent distinct national or cultural identities. The former Iron Heads GC rebrands as the Korean Golf Club in 2026, emphasizing Korean cultural identity. Southern Guard GC (formerly Stinger Golf Club) focuses on South African culture. Other teams include the all-Australian Ripper GC, the all-English Majesticks GC, and the all-Spanish Fireballs GC.
With 10 players leaving the league and new wildcard spots, there are 12 team roster changes in total.
Cleeks Golf Club: Martin Kaymer, Richard Bland, Adrian Meronk, Victor Perez (new for Frederik Kjettrup)
4 Aces GC: