LIV Golf's Bold Move: Embracing the 72-Hole Format!
Get ready for a game-changer in the world of golf! LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed circuit, is making a significant shift in its tournament structure, and it's a move that's sure to spark some heated debates.
LIV Golf is taking a bold step towards aligning itself with the traditional golf tours by adopting the 72-hole format, starting from the 2026 season.
But here's where it gets controversial...
LIV Golf has been a disruptor since its inception in 2022, with its unique 54-hole events and unconventional approach. However, this departure from the norm has had its consequences. Players have been denied official ranking points, which play a crucial role in qualifying for golf's prestigious majors.
Most LIV events have been a weekend affair, but now, they're getting a full-fledged tournament treatment, starting from Thursday, except for the LIV Golf Riyadh in February, which will begin on a Wednesday.
Two-time major champion Jon Rahm, who's been on a winning streak with LIV, believes this change is a win-win for everyone involved. He emphasizes that LIV Golf is a player's league, and this move strengthens the competition and provides a more comprehensive test for the athletes.
"Moving to 72 holes feels like we're getting back to the roots of the game," Rahm said. "It's a challenge we all relish, and it's what the fans want to see."
And this is the part most people miss...
The Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) is a key determinant for entry into the four majors. LIV Golf players have seen their rankings slip, with Rahm now at 71st and Dustin Johnson, another former world number one, at a distant 604th.
Johnson echoes the sentiment, saying, "Playing four rounds just feels more like the big tournaments we've always known and loved."
Bryson DeChambeau, another LIV tour member, adds, "For the health of the sport, we need to ensure the best players are competing against each other, especially in the majors."
For each regular season event, the individual competition will now span 72 holes of stroke play, and the team competition will continue alongside, with team results determined by cumulative individual scores.
LIV Golf's chief executive, Scott O'Neil, sees this as a pivotal moment for the league, strengthening its position and offering more of what the global audience craves.
"We're following the lead of the most successful leagues globally, who continuously innovate and evolve. As an emerging league, we're no exception."
This move is a significant departure from LIV's initial point of difference with established professional tours. It's a voluntary rejection of that uniqueness, and it's sure to have an impact on LIV's quest for official recognition and world ranking points.
The OWGR may still have concerns about the team format potentially compromising individual performances, which was a major sticking point when LIV's initial recognition bid was rejected.
However, LIV is also taking steps to expand its player qualification pathway, another move that could help gain world ranking recognition.
It's an exciting time for golf fans, as LIV Golf continues to evolve and find its place in the sport. Will this alignment with traditional tours bring LIV closer to the PGA Tour, or will it further highlight their differences?
What are your thoughts on LIV Golf's decision? Do you think it's a step in the right direction, or is it sacrificing its unique identity? We'd love to hear your opinions in the comments!
