The new LIV Golf League season kicks off on February 4 with new players and rules. An overview of teams and all changes.
The LIV Golf League starts its 2026 season on February 4 with several changes and new faces. Besides format changes, prize money and points systems have been adjusted.
More Holes, More Prize Money and More Points
The LIV Golf League launches in 2026 with an expanded competition concept. More rounds, an enhanced 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 wildcards, form the field. Distributed over 13 teams, each has four pros supplemented by the wildcards who compete only in the individual rankings. There will be 14 events featuring both team and individual competitions.
New Points System: Every Point Counts in the Fight for Prize Money
New for the 2026 season is a comprehensive points system. Each event awards a total of 1,000 individual points, with the winner earning 200 points. Importantly, every placement earns points, replacing the previous all-or-nothing system.
In the team competition, all teams now earn points. The winner gets 30 points, second place 15, and even the last-placed team earns two points, keeping all teams competitive until the final day.
The economic dimension grows significantly: the weekly team prize money doubles from five to ten million dollars. From 2026 on, each team receives prize money according to their placement, not just the top finishers. Additionally, a new individual prize money model awards €2.3 million weekly among the best individual players of podium teams. Overall, €470 million in prize money is at stake this season.
Team Championship as the Grand Finale of the LIV Golf Tour
The season concludes with the 14th event, the Team Championship, dedicated solely to the team title. It starts with a match-play format: the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds feature two singles matches and one four-ball for each team. Sunday is played as stroke play with all team players competing together. The lowest overall score decides the team champion of the season.
Teams Overview
A notable new focus among teams is national identity. More teams embody a national orientation highlighting cultural identity. The previous Iron Heads GC becomes the Korean Golf Club in 2026, highlighting Korea’s culture. The Southern Guard GC (formerly Stinger Golf Club) emphasizes South African culture. Additionally, there are purely national teams: the Australian Ripper GC, the English Majesticks GC, and the Spanish Fireballs GC.
With 10 departures and new wildcard spots, there are 12 personnel changes across the 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 Aces GC to return to the PGA Tour.
Crushers GC: Bryson DeCh