LIV Golf have finally taken what could be a monumental step for them by announcing a move to 72-holes from next season and golf fans have been lapping up the news on social media.
Ever since its inception, LIV Golf has had been criticized for sticking to its 54-hole format with shotgun starts.
Some have even suggested it is costing its players the chance of winning majors, with arguments suggesting that the difference in format is causing issues.
- READ MORE: The PGA Tour are making a risky rule change which could push players into joining LIV Golf
Now, though, LIV have announced the move to 72-hole events from 2026 in what could be a huge step towards their golfers finally being awarded OWGR points.
Over on social media, golf fans have been giving their honest reactions to the news. And it’s pretty safe to say that the announcement has caused quite the talking point!
Golf fans react as LIV Golf announce change to 72 holes
This move from LIV could open doors they’ve not had before and at the same time, it will take away one of the easy ‘wins’ some critics have about the tour.
The likes of Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and more will surely benefit from the move when it comes to majors, while the shift towards getting OWGR points benefits them as well, especially in terms of the Ryder Cup.
Indeed, over on social media platform X, there was plenty of conversation about what this could mean for golf as a whole.
Naturally, some were negative about the situation, with one fan writing:
“One more day people won’t be watching LIV and more money down the drain for the Saudis. Such a shame to see players like Bryson and Rahm playing on a Mickey Mouse tour.”
While another followed a similar thought process, adding:
“Just what people want: an extra 18 holes of exhibition”
Some, though, looked at the bigger picture and pointed out some benefits to the move.
“Potentially huge news, does that now mean World Ranking points can be accredited to LIV players as their format now mirrors the rest of the World Golf Tours,” one fan pointed out, while another pointed out what it could mean for the team event if cuts are introduced.
“Gonna need a cut now! That should be interesting for the team concept.”
The world ranking points were a big talking point, with another golf lover pointing out that “They had no choice. They were fighting an uphill battle to get world ranking points”.
Although not everyone was fully on board, with another fan suggesting the 54 hole format should stay.
“Stupid, they should keep the 54 hole format and add a top 5 or top 10 shootout in a regular format”
Finally, the name LIV translates as ’54’ in Roman numerals, and fans were quick to bring this up as well in their droves, suggesting a change in name could be necessary now.
“So they have to change their name to LXII immediately”
LIV Golf have to be taken more seriously now
For years, the narrative has been that LIV Golf cannot compete with the PGA Tour and unless there was some sort of merger, the product would die off eventually.
Now, though, with the move to 72 holes and the potential for OWGR recognition, there is a real chance here for LIV to make a big splash.
They now – potentially – won’t have some of the blockers in place that prevented some from wanting to join them. That could be huge news and in reality, means they should be taken more seriously as a tour in general.
If, as part of this change, they can get a way to get the team element booming, then over time, LIV might actually do what it set out to do and entice a whole new brand of golf fan.
This step to 72 is a big leap indeed and one which cannot be ignored.
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