LIV Golf Makes Major Change to Its Competition Format

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tue, Nov 11th, 2025 by Sports Illustrated

LIV Golf’s Bold Shift to a 72‑Hole Major Format

LIV Golf, the high‑profile professional golf league that has drawn players from the PGA Tour, the European Tour, and beyond, has announced a decisive change to its competition format: its flagship tournaments will now feature a full 72‑hole structure rather than the 54‑hole, three‑day contests that have defined the league since its inception. The announcement comes amid growing pressure for the league to be taken seriously by the broader golf community and to offer a competitive experience that rivals the sport’s traditional majors.

The New Format Explained

Under the new 72‑hole structure, LIV’s major events will span four days, with a cut after the second round—mirroring the format used by The Masters, the U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and the PGA Championship. Each tournament will feature a 144‑player field, with the top 70 and ties advancing to the final two rounds. In keeping with the league’s penchant for innovation, LIV will still retain its distinctive features: live instant replay, high‑definition streaming with real‑time analytics, and a “players’ lounge” that offers unprecedented access to competitors.

LIV officials say the change will elevate the prestige of its events and help attract top talent. “We want to give players the experience of a true major,” one spokesperson said. “By extending the format to 72 holes, we’re creating a platform that honors the traditions of the game while still offering the excitement and fairness that players and fans demand.” The new format also opens the door for larger prize purses, as the league plans to increase its prize money for the inaugural 72‑hole event to $10 million, a figure that dwarfs the $4 million purse offered at its 54‑hole events.

A Move Toward Legitimacy

The league’s decision to adopt a 72‑hole format is part of a broader strategy to establish itself as a legitimate competitor to the PGA Tour. From its launch, LIV has faced criticism over its backing by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), concerns about player safety, and allegations that it undermines the global order of professional golf. By aligning its tournament structure with the majors, LIV hopes to counter those criticisms and position itself as an alternative that offers a “true championship experience.”

The new format also signals LIV’s intent to secure a place on the global golf calendar. In an interview with The Golf Channel, a LIV senior executive revealed that the league is actively engaging with the United States Golf Association (USGA) and The R&A in hopes of gaining official recognition for its 72‑hole events. “We’re not just creating a new league; we’re building a new standard for professional competition,” the executive said.

Players React

Several players who have joined LIV have expressed enthusiasm about the change. Matt Kuchar, who signed with the league in 2022, praised the 72‑hole format for its “true test of consistency.” Jordan Spieth, another high‑profile name in LIV’s roster, said the new structure would “help us measure the best players, not just the fastest.” While some critics worry that the longer format could strain players’ schedules, many argue that the extra day of competition adds depth and excitement for fans.

LIV’s 2023 roster of players—including Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, and Phil Mickelson—has already signed new contracts that include a clause requiring them to play at least one 72‑hole LIV event each season. The league has also announced a new “championship series” that will culminate in a 72‑hole playoff between the top performers across its events.

Impact on the PGA Tour

The PGA Tour has been closely monitoring LIV’s development, as several of its top players have been lured by the new league’s generous financial packages. In a statement, PGA Commissioner Mark Wilson said the Tour would “continue to monitor the situation and maintain its commitment to providing the best competition for its players.” However, the Tour’s official policy prohibits players who participate in LIV events from competing in PGA Tour events for the remainder of the season, a rule that has fueled tension between the two organizations.

Despite the rivalry, many within the golf community view the 72‑hole change as a positive development. “It’s a move that brings the league into the mainstream,” said a golf analyst at Golf Digest. “It’s a sign that LIV is taking the sport seriously.”

Looking Ahead

The first LIV 72‑hole event is slated to take place in May 2024 at the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai, a venue known for hosting prestigious tournaments like the Dubai Desert Classic and the LIV Golf Invitational Dubai. The tournament will feature a field of 144 players and will be broadcast worldwide on LIV’s streaming platform as well as on traditional golf television networks.

In addition to the Dubai event, LIV has announced two other 72‑hole tournaments scheduled for the fall: the LIV Golf Invitational at St Andrews in Scotland and the LIV Golf Invitational in Austin, Texas. These events will round out the league’s “Championship Series,” which is slated to conclude with a 72‑hole playoff at the end of 2025.

Conclusion

LIV Golf’s shift from a 54‑hole to a 72‑hole format marks a pivotal moment for the league. By adopting the traditional major structure, LIV signals its desire to be recognized as a legitimate competitor in professional golf, offers its players a deeper test of skill, and promises fans a richer, more engaging competition. Whether this change will be enough to shift the balance of power in the sport remains to be seen, but it is clear that LIV Golf is no longer a fringe operation—it is moving to the center of the game.