(Photo credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images)

LIV Golf is abandoning its three-round, 54-hole format in 2026, with all events becoming traditional 72-hole tournaments.

The league announced the shift Tuesday.

'As we enter our fourth season as a League, 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,' said Scott O'Neil, the CEO of LIV Golf, in a news release.

'We're seeing upward momentum and traction from Hong Kong to Adelaide to Indianapolis, and that heightened interest opens the door to add another day of golf while benefiting our fans, players, marketing partners, and our global media partners.'

LIV's team events will continue to run concurrently with individual play. The format for the season-ending team championship will be announced later.

Shotgun starts will remain the norm, as will the entertainment offerings that punctuate LIV Golf events.

Team captains reacted positively.

'I think it's a great move for the League and I'm excited for it,' said Dustin Johnson, the captain of 4Aces GC. 'Playing 72 holes just feels a little more like the big tournaments we've all grown up playing. I've always liked the grind of four rounds -- it gives the best players a chance to rise to the top.

'LIV Golf has been a great experience from the start, and I think this makes it even better for the fans and for us out there competing.'

According to the league, LIV Golf's global audience grew nearly 90% year-over-year in 2025.

LIV Golf starts its 2026 season on Feb. 5 at LIV Golf Riyadh in the Saudi Arabia capital.

--Field Level Media