Yesterday, in an official statement posted on social media and its official website, LIV Golf announced a significant change to the format that has characterized its events since their inception, as the name itself (LIV, meaning fifty-four) suggests: starting in 2026, tournaments will be played over 72 holes.
After four years, starting in 2022year zerowhere the three-day shotgun start was the leitmotif of tournament play, the leaders of the Saudi League have decided to conform (the term is not chosen by chanceEditor's note) to the standard applied on other professional circuits.
LIV Golf, news
The team competition will adapt accordingly, but will remain an integral part of the LIV format.
Scott ONeil, League CEO, stated: As we enter our fourth season as a League (he considers 2022 a pilot yearEditors note), the move to 72 holes represents a key new chapter for LIV Golf that strengthens our League, presents a new challenge for our world-class field, and ensures our audiences experience more energy and innovation in the world-class golf we offer.
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The most successful leagues in the worldthe IPL, EPL, NBA, MLB, NFLcontinue to innovate and evolve their product, and we, as an emerging league, are no different.
LIV will always have an eye on progress that works in the best interests of the League and the sport.
Now, its clear that this decision was virtually inevitable, as it represented the Gordian knot that needed to be untied in order to award OWGR points (although there are 54-hole tournaments that regularly award pointsEditors note).
It is equally clear that this step could not be taken by Greg Norman, given the bitter dispute he had with the OWGR leadership. And this is all about new Liv Golf.
