The new LIV Golf League season starts on February 4 with new players and rules. An overview of teams and key changes.
The LIV Golf season kicks off on February 4, 2026, featuring some changes and fresh faces. Alongside changes to the format, prize money and point systems have also been adjusted.
More Holes, More Prize Money, and More Points
The LIV Golf League begins 2026 with an expanded competition concept. More rounds, an extended points system, and increased prize money bring several changes for the new season. A total of 57 players, including 52 fixed team players and five wildcard players, form the field. Spread across 13 teams, each with four professionals plus the wildcards competing only for individual rankings, 14 events will be played featuring both team and individual competitions.
New Points System: Every Point Counts in the Prize Money Battle
In 2026, LIV Golf introduces a broader points system. At each event, 1,000 individual points are awarded, with the winner receiving 200 points. Crucially, every placement earns points, replacing the previous all-or-nothing system.
In team rankings, a paradigm shift also occurs. Previously only the top 8 teams gained points; now, all teams are rewarded. The winner earns 30 points, second place 15, and even the last-placed team receives two points, keeping every team competitive until the end.
The financial aspect grows significantly: weekly team prize money doubles from $5 million to $10 million. Additionally, from 2026 each team receives prize money based on their placement, not only the best teams. A new individual prize money model distributes €2.3 million per week among the top individual players of podium teams. In total, €470 million prize money is at stake this season.
Team Championship as the Grande Finale of the LIV Golf Tour
The season concludes with the 14th event, the Team Championship dedicated exclusively to the team title. It starts with a matchplay format: in quarter- and semifinals, each team plays two singles matches (one-on-one) plus a foursome. Sunday is played in stroke play format with all four players competing together and all results counting. The lowest total score ultimately determines the season’s team champion.
Overview of the Teams
A notable new focus is the pronounced national identity among the teams. More teams represent a national orientation emphasizing cultural identity. The former Iron Heads GC becomes the Korean Golf Club in 2026, spotlighting Korean culture. Southern Guard GC (formerly Stinger Golf Club) emphasizes South African culture and identity. Other teams include the entirely Australian Ripper GC, the exclusively English Majesticks GC, and the purely Spanish Fireballs GC.
With 10 players leaving the league and new wildcard spots, 12 personnel changes occur 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 departs 4