The new LIV Golf League season kicks off on February 4 with new players and rules. Here’s an overview of the teams and key changes.
The LIV Golf season starts on February 4 with several changes and new faces. Alongside format adjustments, prize money and points systems have been updated.
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 several changes for the new season. The field consists of 57 players, including 52 permanent team players and five wildcard players. These players are divided into 13 teams, each with four professionals plus a wildcard who competes solely in individual rankings. In total, 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 more comprehensive 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 approach.
There is also a paradigm shift in team scoring. Whereas previously only the top 8 teams earned points, now all teams are rewarded. The winner receives 30 points, second place 15, and even the last-placed team gets 2 points, keeping all teams competitive until the end.
The financial aspect grows significantly: weekly team prize money doubles from $5 million to $10 million. Starting in 2026, every team will earn prize money based on its placement, not just the top finishers. Additionally, a new individual prize money model will distribute €2.3 million weekly among the best individual players from podium teams. In total, €470 million prize money is up for grabs 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. The quarterfinals and semifinals are played in a matchplay format with two singles matches and one foursome per team. Sunday features stroke play, where all four players play together and all scores count. The team with the lowest total score wins the season’s team champion crown.
Teams and National Identity Focus
One noticeable trend is the growing emphasis on national identity among teams. More teams represent nations and emphasize cultural identity. The former Iron Heads GC will compete as the Korean Golf Club in 2026, highlighting Korean cultural identity. Similarly, the Southern Guard GC (formerly Stinger Golfclub) focuses on South African culture. Other teams include the all-Australian Ripper GC, the purely English Majesticks GC, and the wholly Spanish Fireballs GC.
With 10 departures and new wildcard spots, there are 12 personnel changes across the teams this season.
Cleeks Golf Club: Martin Kaymer, Richard Bland, Adrian Meronk, Victor Perez (new for Frederik Kjettrup)
4 Aces GC: Dustin Johnson,