The new LIV Golf League season starts February 4 with new players and rules. Teams and all innovations at a glance.
The LIV Golf season kicks off on February 4 with several changes and new faces. Alongside format adjustments, prize money and point systems have also been updated.
More Holes, Higher Prize Money and Expanded Points System
The LIV Golf League begins 2026 with an expanded competition concept. More rounds, a broader points system, and increased prize money bring several changes for the new season. A total of 57 players, including 52 permanent team players and five wildcards, form the field. Spread across 13 teams, each features four professionals plus the wildcards who compete only in the individual rankings. There are 14 events in total, with both team and individual competitions held.
New Points System: Every Point Counts in the Fight for Prize Money
For 2026, LIV Golf introduces a comprehensive points system. Each event awards 1,000 individual points total, with the winner receiving 200 points. Importantly, every placement earns points, replacing the former all-or-nothing system.
The team ranking system shifts as well. Whereas previously only the top 8 teams earned points, now all teams are rewarded: the winner gets 30 points, second place 15, and even the last-placed team earns two points. This keeps every team competitively relevant until the final day.
The economic dimension grows substantially: the weekly team prize money doubles from five to ten million dollars. From 2026 on, every team receives prize money based on their placement, not only the best teams. An additional individual prize pool of 2.3 million euros per week is allocated among the top individual players of the podium teams. Overall, a total of 470 million euros in prize money is 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 exclusively to the team title. Initially, a matchplay format is played: quarter- and semifinal rounds feature two singles matches (1-on-1) plus a foursome per team. Sunday is contested in stroke play format, where all four players compete together and all results count. The team with the lowest total score becomes the season’s team champion.
Teams Overview: A New Emphasis on National Identity
An emerging focus on national identity is noticeable in the teams. More teams express a national orientation highlighting cultural identity. The former Iron Heads GC now competes as Korean Golf Club, emphasizing Korean cultural identity. Southern Guard GC (formerly Stinger Golf Club) highlights South African culture. Additionally, Ripper GC is an all-Australian team, Majesticks GC an all-English team, and Fireballs GC an all-Spanish team.
With 10 players departing the league and new wildcard spots, there are 12 personnel changes across teams.
Cleeks Golf Club: Martin Kaymer, Richard Bland, Adrian Meronk, Victor Perez (new for Frederik Kjettrup)
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