It is a new era for LIV Golf with the 2026 season the first to have events played over 72 holes.
LIV Golf‘s momentum stalled over the off-season. The headline news was the fact that Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed have departed. And they struggled to make any particularly notable signings.
Which LIV Golf player do you think will make the biggest jump in the world rankings in 2026?
The OWGR are awarding points for top 10 finishes from this season!
But there have been some significant changes. LIV events will now be played over 72 holes rather than 54. It appears to be a decision that has been made in the hope of increasing the likelihood of receiving world ranking points.
And Jon Rahm was among those who praised the decision.
Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau are divided over LIV Golf decision
Speaking ahead of this week’s opening event, Rahm said he had been pushing for LIV to add an additional round to their tournaments for some time.
The Spaniard took the opposite view to Bryson DeChambeau. DeChambeau questioned the move, noting that it was not what he signed up for.
It should be noted that DeChambeau said it was a ‘fantastic’ decision when LIV announced the change in November. So it is not entirely clear what the Crushers captain truly feels about the move.
It may be that Koepka’s departure has left DeChambeau feeling much freer to voice his honest thoughts, particularly as his own contract expires at the end of the upcoming season.
But if we take what he has most recently said at face value, it is perhaps a gamble from LIV to make this decision to change things up for 2026.
DeChambeau’s ego may be bruised at the worst possible time for LIV
DeChambeau is reportedly demanding $500 million to sign a new contract with LIV. He clearly views himself as the biggest star in the league and wants a deal that reflects that.
But LIV adding an extra round hints that they see Rahm as their most important figure. And that would be fair enough. The Legion XIII skipper has won the individual title in both of his seasons on LIV.
Rahm has also played a lot more golf internationally, which may be significant as LIV attempts to establish itself as the biggest global tour.
If DeChambeau is someone who relishes being a big fish in a smaller pond, his ego will have been hurt by the fact that LIV have opted to make the change that Rahm wants.
It is perhaps an indication that he may not have quite as much influence as he would probably like.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
