The new LIV Golf League season starts February 4 with new players and rules. Here’s an overview of teams and all innovations.
The LIV Golf season kicks off on February 4 with several changes and new faces. Besides modifications to the format, prize money and point systems have also been updated.
More Holes, Higher Prize Money and Expanded Points
The LIV Golf League launches 2026 with an expanded competition concept. More rounds, a broader point system, and increased prize money bring several changes for the new season. A total of 57 players, including 52 fixed team members and five wildcard players, make up the field. They’re distributed across 13 teams, each with four pros supplemented by wildcard entrants who compete only in the individual ranking. In total, 14 events take place featuring both team and individual competitions.
New Point System: Every Point Counts in the Battle for Prize Money
In 2026, LIV Golf introduces a more comprehensive point 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 model.
There is also a paradigm shift in the team rankings. 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 receives two points, keeping every team competitive until the final day.
The financial dimension grows significantly: weekly team prize money doubles from five to ten million dollars. From 2026 onward, every team earns prize money based on placement, not just the top teams. Additionally, a new individual prize pool of 2.3 million euros per week is distributed among the best individual players on podium teams. In total, 470 million euros in prize money are up for grabs this season.
Team Championship: The Big LIV Golf Tour Showdown
The season concludes with a 14th event, the Team Championship, dedicated solely to the team title. It starts with a match play format: the quarterfinals and semifinals feature two singles matches (1-on-1) and one fourball per team. Sunday is played as stroke play, with all four players competing together and all scores counting. The lowest combined score ultimately determines the season’s team champion.
Teams Overview
A noticeable new focus among teams is national identity. More and more teams embody a national theme and cultural identity. The former Iron Heads GC becomes Korean Golf Club in 2026, highlighting Korean cultural identity. Southern Guard GC (previously Stinger Golf Club) emphasizes South African culture and identity. Additionally, there is a purely Australian team, Ripper GC; a purely English team, Majesticks GC; and a purely Spanish team, Fireballs GC.
With 10 departures and new wildcards, there are a total of 12 player changes across teams.
Cleeks Golf Club: Martin Kaymer, Richard Bland, Adrian Meronk, Victor Perez (new for Frederik Kjettrup)
4 Aces GC