We need to get used to the idea that the PGA Tour and LIV Golf will forever be rival circuits, given the recent developments this week regarding both tours. First, LIV announced it was increasing the number of entry points to its circuit by 2026, and 24 hours later, it dropped a bombshell by announcing that its tournaments would be reduced to four rounds (72 holes) instead of three (54).
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All these measures clearly aim to secure LIV tournaments for approval by the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). These are open-minded decisions, while also moving closer to the traditional golf format that some have been calling for. LIV CEO Scott O'Neil, who replaced Greg Norman almost a year ago, has been in charge of leading this somewhat radical transition, considering that the circuit's origins lay in the innovative 54-hole format also featuring 54 players a system that was officially abandoned yesterday.
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The LIV is now moving towards a circuit endorsed by at least the OWGR, and this, among other things, would make it much more attractive to professionals. Currently, the only thing one could ask for is a system that allows more golfers to competeeven if only as invited guestsand that there be a cut. However, it's worth remembering that the PGA Tour's higher-level tournaments, which emerged as a response to the LIV, have a field of only 72 players and no cut.
The PGA Tour interprets the LIV's new measures as an attack, as it sees its dominance threatened once again, and has therefore announced its countermeasures. They have decided not to grant broadcast or image rights permissions to any member of their tours participating in the LIV Golf Promotions event, the qualifying tournament that will award the top two finishers LIV membership for 2026 and the top 10 qualify for the Asian Tour's International Series tournaments. This tournament will be held in the United States (January 8-11, 2026, at Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto, Florida), perhaps to make things easier for many players residing there, but it also serves as leverage for the PGA Tour. The two previous editions of the Promotions were held in Dubai and Saudi Arabia.
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The matter doesn't end there. According to a PGA Tour spokesperson, since the LIV event is being held in North America, it is considered an unauthorized event under PGA Tour regulations. Therefore, any member of their tours who participates will be subject to disciplinary action. What kind of action? Anyone who plays will be subject to a one-year suspension from participating in PGA Tour-sanctioned events. This suspension would include participation in Monday qualifying rounds and receiving invitations from sponsors. Tensions between the PGA and LIV appear to be running high once again.
