In a move that signals potential detente in golf's bitter civil war, the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit has announced a dramatic shift in its competition format that brings it closer to the traditional structure of established tours.
The Format Revolution: LIV Embraces Tradition
Beginning with its 2025 season, LIV Golf will abandon its controversial 54-hole, no-cut format in favour of the conventional 72-hole tournaments that have defined professional golf for generations. The seismic policy change represents the most significant concession yet from the breakaway tour in its ongoing battle with the established PGA Tour.
This strategic pivot comes after years of defending its shorter, more condensed format as an innovative improvement to the sport. The inclusion of a 36-hole cut for certain events further aligns LIV's operations with traditional golf structures, potentially bridging the divide that has fractured the professional game.
Player Reactions: Rahm and Johnson Weigh In
Reigning Masters champion Jon Rahm, one of LIV's highest-profile acquisitions, expressed enthusiasm for the changes. "This evolution brings us closer to the traditions that made us fall in love with golf," the Spanish star commented. "While innovation has its place, there's undeniable magic about the four-round test that truly identifies the best player each week."
Former world number one Dustin Johnson, a founding member of the rebel circuit, echoed similar sentiments. "The 72-hole format with cuts creates the drama and tension that fans crave," Johnson stated. "This adjustment demonstrates our commitment to growing the game while respecting its heritage."
Behind the Scenes: What Prompted the Change?
Industry analysts suggest multiple factors influenced LIV's strategic reversal:
- World ranking points eligibility: The format change addresses one major obstacle to LIV tournaments receiving Official World Golf Ranking recognition
- Broadcast negotiations: Traditional four-round events better fit television scheduling and production models
- Player recruitment: The shift may attract more top professionals hesitant about the unconventional format
- Merger discussions: The move creates common ground as LIV and the PGA Tour continue fragile negotiations
The Road Ahead: What This Means for Golf's Future
This format alignment represents the most tangible evidence yet that golf's warring factions may be moving toward compromise. While significant differences remain in tournament structure, team elements, and financial models, the adoption of the 72-hole standard creates a foundation for potential future collaboration.
The golf world now watches closely to see how this concession might influence ongoing negotiations between LIV's financial backers and the PGA Tour. With major championships maintaining their traditional formats and the Olympics following suit, LIV's adaptation suggests a recognition that some aspects of golf's structure are too fundamental to reinvent.
