LIV Golf has decided to change its format to 72 holes starting in the 2026 season. The move comes as players continue to push for Official World Golf Rankings points.
While LIV originally built its brand around a 54-hole format, the change was made in hopes of helping players gain recognition on a global scale.
Jon Rahm has long been one of the voices behind this shift, though Rory McIlroy remains sceptical that it will make any difference with the rankings.
“I don’t know if the change is going to be enough for them to get world ranking points. The way I look at it, if they’re working towards world ranking points, maybe that’s a step in the right direction,” McIlroy said after his win at Augusta. “But there’s still so many other things they need to do for that league to be credible.”
The switch is still well-received by most LIV players, many of whom felt that the shorter format wasn’t preparing them properly for major championships. Not a single major winner in 2025 came from LIV.
Despite winning on tour last year, one player isn’t happy about extending events back out to four rounds.
Adrian Meronk admits he liked LIV Golf’s 54-hole format better
Adrian Meronk, who opened the 2025 season with a win in Riyadh, said he preferred the shorter format over the move to a full 72 holes.
Speaking to Flushing It Golf, he explained: “Personally, I prefer 54, but it’s only my opinion. I accept 72. It’s the same for everyone, so I just have to adjust and kind of prepare a little bit differently for those.
“I think it’s not going to be as aggressive from the beginning as it was. So yeah, back to traditional golf, I guess.”
“I don’t know, it just felt like a nice, quick tournament,” he added. “You have to stay focused for so long, and just, the days are so long.”
“That’s what I really liked about LIV,” Meronk continued. “Very quick tournaments…either you’re up there or you’re preparing for next week.”
The switch hasn’t changed Meronk’s commitment to LIV Golf and doesn’t seem to be affecting recruitment either. Laurie Canter and Victor Perez are among the newest signings this season.
LIV clearly values Rahm’s influence within their ranks, but not every player seems thrilled with how things are changing.
Adrian Meronk says he’s hopeful of a deal between LIV Golf and the DP World Tour
For players such as Meronk, who plays on the DP World Tour in addition to LIV Golf, the 2026 season is shrouded in doubt.
It was reported this summer that LIV Golf will no longer pay DP World Tour fines for its players, with massive ramifications for players hoping to qualify for the Ryder Cup or simply wanting to play on the European Tour.
Amid the uncertainty, Meronk confirmed he plans to play two more DP World Tour events before the start of the LIV season.
He said, “So I stayed a member. So, to be honest, I wasn’t really… I just found out 2 weeks ago that I have one more year exemption because I wasn’t aware of it.
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