What you need to know about LIV Golf in 2026

LIV Golf is back for 2026 with a global schedule kicking off in Riyadh in February.

The league has introduced major changes to the format in an attempt to evolve the product and fit their long-term vision.

Roster changes have also shaped the off-season with notable additions and departures.

Here is what you can expect from the 2026 LIV Golf season. 

Will LIV Qualify For OWGR Points in 2026?

(Image Credit: LIV Golf)

The most significant decision made by LIV this season is the change in format, as the competition has opted for traditional four-day 72-hole tournaments, switching from the previous three-day 54-hole format.

The basis for this decision is centred around their ongoing bid for Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points. 

LIV’s quest for ranking points is paramount for the tour’s longevity in the game, with a host of high-profile players and young aspiring talents on their roster, there is a high chance of players becoming increasingly impatient if the matter continues to be unresolved.

Ranking points are essential for anyone who wishes to compete in any of the four golfing majors. While some players on LIV have been able to compete in these events since the formation of the league, this has been due to either major exemptions or ranking points achieved prior to joining the league, with players sustaining their positions with points picked up in subsequent majors or on other tours.

Without a consistent avenue to OWGR points, LIV players are slipping down the rankings and are at risk of missing out on these major events.

OWGR leaders are evaluating LIV’s changes with a decision yet to be made, however the format switch is a huge step towards compliance, and could be key for LIV’s contract negotiations with big players such as Bryson DeChambeau, whose current deal expires at the end of the year.

OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman said in a statement: "We remain committed to the OWGR’s mission, which requires honouring the meritocracy woven into the professional game. As such, discussions have been regular and remain ongoing.

"To be clear, progress has been made, but there is no decision to share at this time. We will continue to work closely with LIV Golf as it continues to evolve to ensure its application is handled with fairness, integrity and consistency."

Where is LIV Golf's Schedule in 2026?

(Image Credit: LIV Golf)

LIV Golf will continue with the 14-event schedule, introducing two new events which include a first ever visit to South Africa, at The Club at Steyn City and an event in New Orleans at Bayou Oaks.

These additions mean that LIV Golf Miami and LIV Golf Dallas have been culled for the 2026 schedule, meaning the Blue Monster course at Trump Doral, which has hosted every year since the inaugural season, will not return, with the venue set to stage the PGA Tour's Miami Championship later this year.

The season will kick off at the Riyadh Golf Club in Saudi Arabia on February 5th before heading to The Grange Golf Club in Australia the following week for the notoriously boisterous LIV Golf Adelaide.

Which Golfers Have Joined LIV in 2026?

LIV have expanded their field from 54 to 57 players for the new season with the addition of three extra wildcard players.

Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent and Japan’s Yosuke Asaji secured wildcard spots via the Asian Tour-sanctioned International Series, LIV’s official feeder pathway.

The other wildcard spots will be decided by the results of LIV Golf Promotions, which includes 83 players who have won a tournament in the last two years competing in a four-day event at the Diamond Ranch in Lecanto, Florida. The top three following play on Sunday will join as the final wildcards for the new season, with the likes of former European Ryder Cup player Chris Wood, and last year’s surprise LIV wildcard Anthony Kim competing.

LIV were shaken by the loss of Brooks Koepka who cited the want to spend "more time" with his family as the reason for his departure. However, uncertainty remains surrounding his motivations with a return to the PGA Tour speculated by many.

The coup of world number 57 Thomas Detry was the most significant move made by LIV in the off-season, with last year’s WM Phoenix Open winner the highest ranked player signed by the tour since landing Jon Rahm in 2024.

Detry will join the 4Aces alongside Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed and Thomas Pieters, while Harold Varner III moves to Smash GC. Meanwhile new signing Elvis Smylie joins Cameron Smith, Marc Leishman and Lucas Herbert on Ripper GC.

What is The Future of LIV Golf?

LIV Golf have established themselves as the noisy neighbour of the PGA Tour, with the ambition of changing the landscape of professional golf.

They recently switched their "Golf, But Louder" slogan to "Long LIV Golf" signifying a focus on longevity and impact in the sport rather than simply being a disruptive presence. 

The focus on providing a fun and engaging fan experience is still at the heart of strategy, but efforts have been made to ensure the product is a sustainable one.

Introducing relegations and promotions, along with establishing a feeder tour to provide pathways into the league has implemented a level of meritocracy. Now with the introduction of a 72-hole format, LIV are making big strides to create a more competitive format aiding their pursuit of OWGR points.

However, complying with the OWGR board, while maintaining their core identity as ‘mavericks’ in the sport, is a difficult balance to strike and one LIV will continue to negotiate in the coming years.