LIV Golf have just taken a huge stride towards being recognized by the Official World Golf Rankings.
Jon Rahm has been pushing for a rule change on LIV Golf, and he’s finally got his wish.
LIV Golf have confirmed via their official website that all of next season’s events will be held over 72 holes.
The news could be huge for LIV golfers moving forward as an increase to 72-hole tournaments will drastically improve their chances of gaining world ranking points.
The world ranking system is completely broken right now, with numerous star names from LIV featuring well down the standings.
Bryson DeChambeau is currently ranked in 23rd position while Rahm is down in 71st.
Meanwhile, Phil Mickelson is currently sitting in a lowly 1,098th.
Now LIV players will be hoping that the change to 72-hole tournaments will enhance their chances of gaining world ranking points.
But what did two of their biggest players say about 54-hole events before the change was made?
What Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau said about 54-hole LIV events
Mickelson and DeChambeau were two of the biggest names to jump ship from the PGA Tour back in 2022.
So given their standing in the game, it’s interesting to see what they had to say about LIV’s 54-hole events before the change to 72 holes was announced on Tuesday.
Before LIV made the change to 72-hole tournaments, it was put to Mickelson that it was perhaps easier to win 54-hole events.
However, the six-time major champion did not agree.
He said: “I’m not sure because it’s more of a sprint.
“You have to play well the first day or you’re so far behind that it’s hard to catch up, whereas in 72 you can kind of work your way into the tournament and fight if you don’t have it the first day, fight to keep it around par then make up ground. It could go either way. It’s just the nuances of a different format.”
What about DeChambeau? Did he share a similar opinion to Mickelson?
According to The Washington Post in 2023, DeChambeau was ’embracing the healing power of extra rest before teeing it up’ again.
So it’s clear to see that both players were more than happy with the 54-hole format before the change was made.
Back in 2023, Mickelson said LIV would never obtain world ranking points. However, with the switch to 72 holes taking effect from the start of the 2026 season, there’s every reason that they will now be recognized by the OWGR.
LIV Golf stars react to events switching to 72-holes
DeChambeau, Rahm, Joaquin Niemann and Dustin Johnson have all reacted to the breaking news on Tuesday.
Rahm said: “This is a win for the League, and the players.
“LIV Golf is a player’s league. We are competitors to the core and we want every opportunity to compete at the highest level and to perfect our craft. 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.”
Meanwhile, 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.”
DeChambeau has changed his opinion on the matter then, it seems!
Niemann was another who reacted to the news.
“I’m excited to see the League make this shift,“ he said.
“Moving to 72 holes means more competition, which is what we want. We’re here to compete every round and this evolution delivers that for our team. More time on-course means more opportunity, whether it’s visibility, performance, or delivering for our fans.”
And finally Johnson shared his thoughts on LIV’s switch to 72 holes.
“I think it’s a great move for the League and I’m excited for it,“ Johnson exclaimed.
“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.
“LIV Golf has been a great experience from the start, and I think this makes it even better for the fans and for us out there competing.“
So it seems as though LIV extending their tournaments to four rounds has been a big hit with their players.
Now all that remains to be seen is whether or not the Official World Golf Ranking system recognizes LIV as a golf tour worthy of receiving ranking points.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
