There’s a lot riding on this season for LIV Golf, and the league has made some notable changes ahead of 2026. The PGA Tour made clear progress in its ongoing battle with LIV.
There’s a lot riding on this season for LIV Golf, and the league has made some notable changes ahead of 2026.
The PGA Tour made clear progress in its ongoing battle with LIV. Every major went to a Tour player, just three LIV golfers made the Ryder Cup teams, and viewing figures leaned heavily towards the PGA side.
On top of that, recruitment didn’t go to plan either. LIV missed out on any big signings, while Brooks Koepka left the league to rejoin the PGA Tour. With Bryson DeChambeau still under contract through 2026, there’s added pressure for LIV to put together a strong year.
LIV also made a big change by moving from their signature 54-hole events to the more traditional 72-hole format over four days. It’s hoped that this shift will help them qualify for Official World Golf Ranking points again.
This wasn’t a universally popular move across the league. Some players preferred the shorter format, while others had been asking for exactly this kind of change.
DeChambeau and Rahm support LIV Golf’s move to 72-hole format
Jon Rahm won the LIV individual title last year without actually winning an event, a result that didn’t sit well with everyone. Bryson DeChambeau, meanwhile, managed just one win across the season.
LIV has always leaned heavily on its big names to drive interest, but over a 54-hole format, it was harder for top players to consistently rise to the top. One poor round could effectively take a player out of contention.
This is part of why both Rahm and DeChambeau have voiced support for the switch. Speaking at a press conference, DeChambeau shared his perspective:
“Real quickly, I think you’ll see some of the best teams compete on another level, so it may separate the worst teams from the best teams.”
He continued: “But those best teams will be incredibly competitive, and there will be a lot of shake-up and mix-up up there, so I think it’s going to be a bit of both, to be honest with you. I think it’ll be competitive at the top and then potentially could divide the worst out there over four rounds.
“We’ll see how it shakes out this year. I’m not fully sure. You never know.”
Rahm has been in favour of expanding to 72 holes since he joined LIV back in 2023 and is pleased that his preference has finally been adopted.
The Spaniard added: “I was going to agree with that and say that for the week in itself, it’s just going to be much better more whoever is playing better especially as a team having four rounds having 72 holes and that one day is going to make a big difference for the teams that are playing better.
Why LIV shouldn’t worry about DeChambeau’s comments
DeChambeau makes a fair point about the added pressure on lower-ranked players, who will now have to string together four solid rounds instead of three just to stay in contention.
But LIV’s focus should be elsewhere. What they need most is for their biggest stars to start picking up wins. Another season without a title for Rahm would only hurt their credibility further.
Golf fans don’t watch for balance; they tune in to see the top names battling it out down the stretch. That kind of star power is what could give LIV the momentum it needs.
If Rahm and DeChambeau are regularly in the mix late on Sundays, people will pay attention – and that’s how LIV can start building real interest again.
The league can’t afford to be distracted by what’s happening lower down the order. This season has to be all about Rahm and DeChambeau if they’re going to turn things around.
Category: General Sports
