LIV Golf events will be played over 72 holes starting in 2026.
Since its inception in 2022 LIV Golf tournaments have been 54-hole events, with the majority played Friday through Sunday, an unconventional format that played a role in the Official World Golf Ranking denying ranking points.
Moving to four days of competition with events mostly beginning on Thursdays of tournament weeks puts LIV Golf more in line with the set-up of PGA Tour events.
The first event of 2026 will start Wednesday February 4 in Saudi Arabia followed by Adelaide the following week, likely February 12-15.
“This is a win for the League, and the players,” said two-time major champion Jon Rahm, LIV Golf’s reigning individual champion.
“LIV Golf is a player’s league. We are competitors to the core and we want every opportunity to compete at the highest level and to perfect our craft.
“Moving to 72 holes is the logical next step that strengthens the competition, tests us more fully, and if the growing galleries from last season are any indication, delivers more of what the fans want.”
“Everyone wants to see the best players in the world competing against each other, especially in the majors, and for the good of the game, we need a path forward,” Bryson DeChambeau said.
The stakes are high for LIV’s star-studded roster as world rankings play a key role in determining entry into golf’s four majors.
The lack of ranking points has led to LIV Golf players tumbling down the rankings, with former world No.1 Dustin Johnson now ranked 604th in the OWGR.
“The move to 72 holes marks a pivotal new chapter for LIV Golf that strengthens our league, challenges our elite field of players, and delivers more of the world-class golf, energy, innovation and access that our global audience wants,” LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil said.
Meanwhile, in other news, one of world golf’s brightest young talents, England’s Marco Penge, will headline alongside some of the sport’s biggest names when he tees it up at the Australian PGA Championship at Royal Queensland Golf Club from November 27–30.
The 25-year-old has been one of the standout stories on the DP World Tour in 2025, claiming three titles and climbing to second on the Race to Dubai standings as the season reaches its thrilling finale.
In just 12 months, Penge’s rise has been meteoric – leaping from outside the top 400 to No. 29 in the Official World Golf Ranking, and earning a spot in both The Masters and The Open Championship in 2026.
His appearance adds further star power to what’s shaping up as one of Australia’s strongest fields in years. The event will also feature homegrown heroes Adam Scott, Cam Smith, Min Woo Lee, and defending champion Elvis Smylie, alongside international drawcards Joaquin Niemann and Ryan Fox.
“Exciting times ahead,” says Penge
Reflecting on his breakout year, Penge said he’s eager to return Down Under and kick-off his 2026 season in Brisbane.
“2025 has been a huge year for me so far with the three wins, knowing I’m in The Masters and The Open next year at worst, and breaking into the top 50 in the world,” he said. “There are certainly some exciting times ahead.
“I’m really excited about coming back to Australia to start the season at Royal Queensland. I’ve played in Brisbane before – it’s a great city to visit, the course is a good challenge, and with Australia’s best players in the field, it’s set to be a great event.”
Before heading to Queensland, Penge will take on the DP World Tour Playoffs in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, where he’ll attempt to chase down Rory McIlroy for the season’s top honours.
“One of the most exciting players in world golf”
PGA of Australia Chief Executive Gavin Kirkman said Penge’s inclusion reinforces the growing international stature of the Brisbane event.
“Marco’s had an incredible season and is one of the most exciting young players in world golf right now,” Kirkman said. “To have someone of his calibre choosing to play in Brisbane is a real testament to how highly regarded this tournament has become among international players.
“Fans are going to love watching him in action at Royal Queensland. He’s aggressive, confident, and has shown this year that he can win against the very best in the world. We’re thrilled to welcome him back to Australia.”
Penge’s latest victory – a thrilling playoff win at the Spanish Open – marked his third DP World Tour title of the year, cementing his status as one of golf’s most talked-about rising stars.
Australia’s season opener
The BMW Australian PGA Championship will again serve as the opening event of the 2025–26 DP World Tour season, offering a $2.5 million prize purse along with valuable Race to Dubai and PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit points.
Kirkman said the event’s unique blend of homegrown and international talent makes it a true showcase for the game.
“Australian golf fans love seeing our best players go head-to-head with some of the biggest names from around the world,” he said. “That mix creates an incredible atmosphere, and with players like Marco in the field, it’s only going to get better.”
With Brisbane’s summer sun, a world-class course, and a field stacked with talent, the 2025 Australian PGA Championship promises to be one of the highlights of the sporting year – both for local fans and golf lovers watching around the world.