LIV Golf’s Big Shift: 72 Holes in 2026 – What It Means for Adelaide, OWGR, and the Tour’s Identity

LIV Golf is ditching its 54-hole identity for a full 72-hole format in 2026—a move that could reshape its future, Adelaide’s biggest golf party, and the battle for world ranking points.

LIV Golf has confirmed a seismic change to its format: starting in 2026, all tournaments will be contested over 72 holes across four days, abandoning the 54-hole structure that was central to its identity since launch in 2022.

The move aligns LIV with the traditional setup of the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, and is widely seen as a strategic play to secure Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, a critical step for players seeking entry into golf’s four majors.

Why the Change?

LIV Golf’s name famously derives from the Roman numeral LIV (54), symbolizing its original three-round format. That branding was marketed as a point of difference—a faster, fan-friendly alternative to the PGA Tour.

Now, with the switch to 72 holes, critics are asking: will LIV rebrand to “LXXII”? The answer appears to be no. League officials have indicated the name will remain, despite the irony, because LIV has become a global brand beyond its numeric roots.

The real driver behind the change is competitive legitimacy.

LIV reapplied for OWGR accreditation in mid-2025 after its initial bid was rejected in 2023. The OWGR board cited format issues—shorter events, team scoring, and limited pathways—as reasons for denial. Moving to 72 holes, alongside expanded qualifying routes via the Asian Tour’s International Series and LIV Promotions, is designed to tick those boxes.

Cam Smith’s Take and Adelaide’s Impact

Australian star Cam Smith, captain of Ripper GC, has welcomed the change enthusiastically.

Speaking ahead of his home summer, Australian Golf Digest reported that Smith said:

“72 holes strengthens LIV Golf and lifts all of us. We’re creating more golf for the fans, more opportunity, more exposure, and more momentum for every player and team, Smith said. “I feel like I play my best golf over 72 holes, so I’m looking forward to the change.”

For Adelaide, LIV’s most successful event to date—with over 100,000 fans through the gates—the shift means an extra day of action and an even bigger festival atmosphere.

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas called it “excellent news,” noting that the extension will amplify the state’s investment in hosting LIV through 2031.

Does This Blur the Lines with the PGA Tour?

Ironically, the move erodes one of LIV’s core differentiators. Rory McIlroy labeled the decision “peculiar,” arguing that OWGR points could have been achieved without abandoning 54 holes.

“It brings them back into not really being a disruptor,” McIlroy said, questioning whether the change will truly benefit players whose rankings have already plummeted.

Still, if OWGR approval comes through, LIV players will regain pathways to majors—a huge incentive for talent migration. PGA Tour stars frustrated by limited major access or enticed by LIV’s financial muscle may find the league more attractive.

While the PGA Tour has warned members against participating in LIV’s Florida-based qualifying event, the prospect of ranking points and major eligibility could reignite player movement.