The conversation around LIV Golf just got louder. After months of speculation about the league’s next move, a major shift has the game’s biggest names weighing in. LIV Golf is officially moving to the traditional 72-hole format from its standard 54-hole games. After reapplying for OWGR points, LIV is making some major moves. This recent format change, which resembles the PGA Tour’s format, is another step in that direction. Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm have shared their views following LIV Golf’s announcement.

Flushing It shared an X post, noting that Bryson DeChambeau said, “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.”

The focus of this shift has been on adapting to audience needs. LIV’s CEO, Scott O’Neil, also made similar remarks when making the announcement. He described it as a pivotal change to strengthen the league and deliver what golf fans worldwide want. Traditionally, LIV has followed a 54-hole format since its inception. Therefore, LIV’s events started on Fridays instead of Thursdays. While the 54-hole format was a bit faster, it was not OWGR-friendly. As O’Neil aims to secure the OWGR ranking system after reapplying, this move could lend a big helping hand.

Bryson DeChambeau is not the only one to have reacted. Jon Rahm, who reportedly holds the largest contract with LIV, has also expressed joy about the move. “This is a win for the League, and the players,” said the Legion XIII captain. “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.” While LIV made the move now, Rahm had been advocating for it since 2024. Before attempting to defend his Masters title at Augusta National in 2024, Rahm told the BBC, “If there ever was a way where LIV could go to 72 holes, I think it would help all of this argument a lot.”

Rahm was talking about the argument for the PGA Tour, the DP World Tour, and LIV Golf working together. Ever since its inception in 2022, LIV has been in a bitter feud with two of golf’s most prominent organizations. The 2023 Masters tournament winner hoped that following a similar traditional format to the PGA Tour could bring a truce. While LIV didn’t listen to Rahm for this season, it is ready to switch to the 72-format in 2026.

Echoing similar sentiments, Dustin Johnson, 4Aces GC Captain, said, “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.”

Many golf fans believe that this move comes in an attempt to prevent the OWGR from rejecting its application yet again. Therefore, this is not the only move Scott O’Neil and LIV Golf made.

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LIV Golf’s strategic moves to prevent the application for world ranking points from being rejected

LIV Golf has been denied inclusion in the Rolex Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) for two years. The previous chief, Peter Dawson, felt bad for LIV golfers. However, he never regretted his and the board’s decision to reject the application submitted in 2023. According to Dawson, LIV used a closed-roster format that did not provide equitable ranking opportunities for all golfers.

Since Scott O’Neil overtook Greg Norman as LIV’s CEO, he is making moves to change this equation. Now that LIV has reapplied for OWGR ranking points in July 2025, these moves are coming to light. A few days ago, it was announced that there will be double qualifying spots for The International Series on the Asian Tour in the 2026 season. The two highest-ranked non-contracted golfers will earn spots. Similarly, the LIV Golf Promotions event will add two more. Thus, a total of four golfers outside the roster will join LIV in 2026.

LIV Golf’s shift to a 72-hole format signals a clear intent to align more closely with traditional tours while strengthening its competitive edge. Bryson DeChambeau and many other LIV golfers are already happy with the move, and fans may follow them. With growing player support and structural changes underway, the league appears determined to secure its place and recognition in global golf.