Phil Mickelson built his reputation as LIV Golf’s loudest champion. He defended the league through brutal backlash in 2022. The six-time major winner positioned himself as the face of golf’s rebellion. He praised LIV’s revolutionary 54-hole format as the future of the sport.

Fast forward to November 2025. LIV Golf just announced a seismic shift to the traditional 72-hole format. The league’s once-fierce defender offered a surprisingly different take. When asked directly on X about his feelings on the format change, Phil responded with just four words: “I’m honestly not sure.”

The response came on November 5, 2025. A fan posed a simple question: “Just tell us how you feel about 72 holes.” Phil’s uncertain reply immediately raised eyebrows. This is the same golfer who reportedly accepted a $200 million offer to join LIV in June 2022.

Now he’s uncertain about one of the league’s most significant changes. The contrast couldn’t be sharper. His LIV colleagues are celebrating the move with open enthusiasm.

Jon Rahm praised the decision immediately. “Moving to 72 holes is the logical next step that strengthens the competition, tests us more fully, and delivers more of what the fans want,” he stated. The two-time LIV individual champion had been pushing for this change since joining in December 2023.

“Moving to 72 holes is the logical next step that strengthens the competition, tests us more fully, and delivers more of what the fans want.” – Jon Rahm

Bryson DeChambeau echoed similar support. “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,” he declared.

Dustin Johnson added his approval, too. “I’ve always liked the grind of four rounds – it gives the best players a chance to rise to the top,” the former world number one said.

Phil stands alone in his uncertainty. His hesitation might reveal deeper questions about LIV’s transformation.

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LIV Golf’s evolution seeks mainstream acceptance through format change

The 72-hole format change represents much more than adding extra rounds. LIV Golf desperately needs Official World Golf Ranking points. The OWGR rejected their initial application in October 2023. The 54-hole format was cited as one major obstacle.

LIV resubmitted a new application in July 2025, under the leadership of CEO Scott O’Neil. The league announced expanded qualifying pathways alongside the format change. Double spots now exist for The International Series on the Asian Tour. The LIV Golf Promotions event adds two more qualifying positions.

LIV built its brand around the tagline ‘Golf, but louder.’ But now it is trying to gain more legitimacy by embracing the traditional standards of golf. The new format will take place at the Riyadh LIV Golf event, which will take place from the 4th to the 7th of February, 2026. All 14 regular-season events will feature 72 holes. Shotgun starts and team competitions remain intact. However, the core revolutionary element—the 54-hole sprint—disappears entirely.

The league’s name was literally derived from the Roman numeral for 54. Now that identity gets erased for mainstream acceptance. Is LIV losing what made it different?