What’s behind Liv’s big change? Does it help?

Check in every week for the unvarnished views of our writers and editors as they break down the hottest topics in the sport, and join the conversation by contacting us at @golf_com. This week, we discuss the sudden, big change at Liv Golf and what it means for the future of the league.

Liv Golf has announced that its 2026 tournaments will be played as 72 Hole tournaments, a major change for a league that will not only be 54 holes but uses that unique feature as a Pivotal part of its identity. While the press release doesn’t say anything about this move as a way to improve Liv’s chances of getting the lowest score in the world… We know better. Are you surprised by the sudden departure? And most importantly, will it work in the end?

Sean Zak, Senior Writer (@Sean_zak): It’s a bit surprising! Only because of all kinds of ’54’. Liv was quietly introduced by an agency called Performer 54! But for the new managers, who did not create these structures, they may feel fruitless to continue beating the OWGR drum without trying to make as many points as possible to be given those points. Will it work in the end? What does “work” mean? Garner more listeners on FS1 in early June? No. The number of holes did not stop golf fans from watching.

Nick Piastowski, editor of Selive (@nickpia): Yes, this announcement surprised us, as Sean saw above, the surprise was actually the previous enlargement of the number 54 – which led to them getting 72 people. But I think the move works, as long as the low points in the world come Liv’s way. I’ll also be curious what an extra day of play looks like for LIV in terms of revenue (or loss) – and what an extra day of play looks like for us as a player legend.

Dylan Dethier, senior writer (@dylan_dethier): I will point out that 54 is also identified by LIV as the “Perfect Score” in Golf – birdie every hole on a Par-72 course. (Ignore the eagles, par-71s, etc. But the 54 holes were also a big part of what liv did “disruption.” Now that it’s just another 72-Hole Stroke-play-play-play-play-play-play golf-play-play-play-play golf league, it just looks like it’s in direct competition with the DP World tour. Maybe that’s the point.

Rory McIlroy was asked about the news while playing this week’s tournament in Abu Dhabi, although he said that he did not think about playing 54 holes to review the points of the World. What do you say? Is Liv still having major issues connecting or is this a major issue?

Zak: I think if there are three or four ways to get Liv points, the 54 vs 72 element was one of them. I think the same team competition is a great place to stick, where OWGR is for individual performance. But the biggest thing is the shape of a very closed circle. I know within Liv HQ they expect to be granted OWGR approval by late 2025, but they also say that for a long time.

Piastowski: I think two other things liv did this week should also be noted here. IQ-School S-School will now offer two spots entering the LIV Play sources for 2026, and the top two staff in the international series will also receive playing rights the following year. Both of them have released one location, so this helps with the ‘closed’ store concept that is holding Liv back in the world.

A great saliva stimulator: Yep – I think Nick P’s move was bigger here from the OWGR perspective than the 54 thing. Liv’s closed shop cracks open its doors. I would expect them to get owg points soon. I don’t really understand the timeline. But I think it was a big mistake for liv to cancel her plan in the first place; If it wants to play in the same sandbox as other non-cooperative courses.

Tyrrell Hatton of Liv’s Livis said only a few players were in favor of the change when it was put on the questionnaire last year. If you’re a Liv member, are you upset or happy about the tweak?

Zak: If I’m a Liv golfer and now I have an extra day of work each tournament, I’m pissed! If I am a very good liv golfer, aged 31 and have dominated the circuit since I arrived – (cough, cough Jon Rahm) – I’d be happy to get an extra 18 holes to remind the players around me who own the boss.

Piastowski: I will add this. You’d think 72 holes should get LIV players in a better frame of mind for the big conditions. So whether you’re upset about working an extra day or not, the thought of being better prepared for the big events of the year should soften your muscles.

Dethier: This feels like a big win for Rahm, who played the 54-hole format before signing the liv. Because he finished within the top 11 championships this year but didn’t win any ‘in the fourth round he would definitely have taken a couple. Anyway, I think it’s great for the great good and good for Liv Gollers who is sick of hearing 54 good jokes. But it’s a hodgepodge of guys who enjoy the short tournament in the weeks – especially given their international travel schedule.

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And this week, we saw Aaron Rai take out some cup stars, the LPGA hit Saudi Arabia to face the PIF Global event, the exciting Bizarre is playing in Mexico (where Ben Griffin will finally win). What’s your biggest takeaway from a week in golf that doesn’t involve golf’s dynamic transition to 72-hole tournaments?

Zak: My biggest takeaway is that this feels like the year the LPGA could have had. A summary of the weather event in Arkansas. Nelly Korda forever to win. Almost zero-time desires. Now the event has been shortened in Japan during the night in America, on the heels of a trip that takes Saudi money. The up and down nature of it doesn’t make me feel like it’s just a high ride in the women’s game.

Piastowski: That golf never had an offseason. That doesn’t stop it being amazing. News, News, News. Good for those of us in the news reporting business, though.

Dethier: Ben Griffin is better than you think he is. He shot nine under Sunday to win in Mexico. Now he has completed the Top-12 PGA Tour events of the last PGA, including winning – which is also his third in 2025, if you include the two Zurichs of Zurich. Indeed, he is a late bloomer. But there is every indication that he is here to stay.

Golf recently released its latest list of the top 100 instructors in America. What’s the best tip you’ve ever received from a top 100?

Zak: This one, from pal Chris Como, hit home with my recent tennis apology:

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Piastowski: No teacher can save my game. Kidding, Kidding. The top 100 are miracle workers. I have two tips. I’ve always liked this one from butch harmoni: to make a proper hip joint, “proper back pocket, right pocket.” Another thing I picked up the other day (and I’ll be sharing more about it in an upcoming Golf.com article). A tip from a top 100 teacher to watch Kelan McDonagh. He was working with me to develop a good grip, and the check to see if it was in the right position was to take my three fingers right to the club and see if it was a 45-degree angle. McDonagh said he picked that up from Mike Adams, the 100 legend, and that he’s been sharing that with students, too.

A great saliva stimulator: This summer’s top 100 suggested that there is a lot more spending on my golf swing. “You need to throw away your whole place,” was the estimate. In other words: do less.