LIV Golf Changes Tournament Format
New Opportunities for Players
LIV Golf is expanding its roster for the 2026 season. Starting next year, one additional player will have the chance to join the Saudi golf circuit. This announcement was made on Monday, highlighting the growing interest in the league.
Qualifying Tournament Dates
The qualifying tournament will take place from January 8 to 11, 2026. During this event, the top two players will earn their spots on the LIV Golf tour for the upcoming season, which begins in February.
International Series Participation
In addition to the two LIV spots, the top ten players, along with those tied, will gain entry to the International Series tournaments on the Asian Tour. This is a great opportunity for players to showcase their skills on a larger stage.
First U.S. Edition in Florida
The 2026 qualifying tournament will be held at Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto, Florida. This marks the first time the event will take place in the United States, aiming to attract more participants.
Competition Format and Prizes
The tournament will feature a stroke play format over four days. Players will compete in three phases, with the top 20 and ties from the first round moving on to the second round, where scores will reset. The final two rounds will again require players to finish in the top 20.
The total prize pool for the competition is set at $1.5 million. The winner will receive $200,000, while the runner-up will take home $150,000. Additionally, the two best players from the International Series who are not already exempt will also qualify for LIV Golf next season.
Format Change to 72 Holes
LIV Golf is making a fundamental change to its format: the league will play tournaments over 72 holes rather than 54, beginning in the 2026 season. LIV CEO Scott O’Neil stated that this change is part of their commitment to innovation and progress in the sport.
Challenges with OWGR Recognition
Despite these changes, LIV Golf still faces challenges with the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). The league has not been recognized by the OWGR since its launch in 2022, which affects player rankings and Ryder Cup points. LIV has reapplied for recognition, and the new format may help align with OWGR standards.
