The LIV Golf League season kicks off February 4 with new players and rules. Check out the teams and all the updates.
The LIV Golf League starts its 2026 season on February 4 with several changes and new faces. In addition to format adjustments, prize money and point systems have been updated.
More Holes, More Prize Money, and More Points
The LIV Golf League launches in 2026 with an expanded competition concept. More rounds, a broadened points system, and increased prize money bring several changes for the new season. The field comprises 57 players, including 52 fixed team members and five wildcard players. These are spread across 13 teams, each featuring four professionals plus the wildcards who compete only in individual standings. There will be 14 events in total, featuring both team and individual competitions.
New Points System: Every Point Counts in the Fight for Prize Money
For 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 system. The team ranking also shifts paradigm: Previously only the top 8 teams earned points, now all teams are rewarded. The winner receives 30 points, second place 15 points, and even the last place team earns two points, keeping all teams competitive until the last day. The economic stakes have grown significantly: Weekly team prize money doubles from $5 million to $10 million. Additionally, from 2026, every team will receive prize money based on their standings, not just the best teams. A new individual prize pool of 2.3 million euros per week is distributed among the top individual players of podium teams. Overall, a total of 470 million euros in prize money is available this season.
Team Championship as the Grand Showdown of the LIV Golf Tour
The season concludes with the 14th event, the Team Championship, dedicated solely to the team title. Initially, a matchplay format is used: quarterfinals and semifinals feature two singles matches (one-on-one) and a foursome per team. Sunday is played as stroke play. All four players of a team play together and all scores count. The lowest total score ultimately decides the team champion of the season.
Teams Overview: National Identity Takes Center Stage
Remarkably, the teams emphasize national identity more prominently. More teams embody a national orientation focusing on cultural identity. The former Iron Heads GC rebrands for 2026 as the Korean Golf Club, highlighting Korea’s cultural identity. The Southern Guard GC (formerly Stinger Golf Club) focuses on South African culture and identity. Additionally, the Ripper GC is a purely Australian team, Majesticks GC represents England exclusively, and Fireballs GC is a purely Spanish team. With 10 players leaving 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)
4 Aces GC: