LIV Golf's Biggest Names React to the League Expanding to 72-Hole Events

Shotgun start! Shorts! Music! 54 holes! LIV Golf has done all it’s could over the years to create a different product than the one we see on the PGA TOUR, but with a new CEO at the helm, the league is making some changes.

A day after announcing four more spots in the league are up for grabs—two from LIV Golf Promotions and two from the International Series—LIV, now led by Scott O’Neil, is expanding its tournament to 72 holes.

“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," O’Neil said in a statement. “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. The most successful leagues around the world—IPL, EPL, NBA, MLB, NFL—continue to innovate and evolve their product, and as an emerging league, we are no different. LIV Golf will always have an eye towards progress that acts in the best interest of LIV Golf and in the best interest of the sport.”

As LIV continues to fight for world ranking points, this change will only help toward that cause. First rounds will now be played on Thursday, lining up direct competition with the TOUR throughout 2026.

Here’s what some of the biggest names on the breakaway circuit had to say about to change to 72 holes.

Jon Rahm

“This is a win for the league, and the players. 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.”

Bryson DeChambeau

“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. By moving to 72 holes, LIV Golf is taking a proactive step to align with the historic format recognized globally. This is a fantastic evolution of the LIV Golf product, showing how our League listens and adapts to create the best possible experience.”

Joaquin Niemann

“I’m excited to see the League make this shift. Moving to 72 holes means more competition, which is what we want. We’re here to compete every round and this evolution delivers that for our team. More time on-course means more opportunity, whether it's visibility, performance, or delivering for our fans.”

Dustin Johnson

"I think it’s a great move for the League and I’m excited for it. 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."