The LIV Tour is changing from 54 holes to 72, but is it changing its name?

The LIV Golf Tour quickly became a hot topic due to it not being like any tour golf had produced. 

One of LIV tours core aspects was the change to a 54-hole event with its name LIV meaning 54 in roman numerals.  

 The director of Dorset County Golf Association, Sean Whelan, commented on LIVs original format.  

 “I think what LIV did challenged the norm.” 

 The conversation around the LIV Tour has always been a controversial one, as the announcement made on November 4th about the tour moving towards the traditional 72-hole tournament starting with upcoming 2026 season, has reignited conversations. 

 Dorset team player, David Fosh spoke on their move to the new format and why they are making this change starting with the 2026 season.  

 “I think the players have forced it on them because they needed some world ranking points outside of the majors.” 

 “When it comes to the Ryder Cup and it’s all off of world ranking points, the LIV guys don’t get into the top 6 that automatically qualify, unless your Bryson DeChambeau and get a season’s worth of points in 4 majors.” 

 Due to the LIV tour only consisting of 54-holes, it meant that none of their players would receive world ranking points. 

 This due to the format and structure of the league not meeting the criteria of Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) criteria.  

 LIV Tour watcher, Grant Thorne, explained that: “they have a large number of player contracts up for renewal either this coming season or the one after, and some of those players have fallen dramatically only having 4 potential events a year in which they can score them.” 

“Going to 72-holes could help to persuade some of the guys that they (the tour) are at least trying to appeal to the OWGR and trying to make the league open to receiving ranking points.” 

 The LIV Tour will hold its first 72-hole event at the Riyadh Golf Club in Saudi Arabia from the 5th of February until the 7th of February.