In a major format change LIV Golf is about to become ‘LXXII’—and Australia’s former world number two Cameron Smith can’t wait.
The 54-hole format that has defined the Saudi-backed tour’s existence since 2022, and even inspired its name, is set to be scrapped from 2026 with events reverting to a traditional format with players completing 72 holes over four rounds.
Speaking of the change, 2022 British Open champion Cameron Smith said he hoped the format change could also lead to a change in fortunes after a lean run in 2025 that has seen him fall outside the world’s top 300 players.
“Playing an extra day isn’t a bad thing, it’s what we’ve grown up doing,” said Smith, who joined LIV in August 2022 on a deal worth a reported $140 million.
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“For me personally I feel like I’ve played my best golf over 72 holes, so hopefully that’s a little bit of a booster for me,” the 32-year-old Queenslander added.
“It gives me an extra day to settle in and maybe not chase some stuff so much.”
‘A pivotal new chapter’ declares LIV Golf
Confirmation of the upcoming format change was accompanied by a breathtaking serve of PR spin delivered by LIV Golf chief executive Scott O'Neil.
“The move to 72 holes marks a pivotal new chapter for LIV Golf that strengthens our league, challenges our elite field of players, and delivers more of the world-class golf, energy, innovation and access that our global audience wants,” O'Neil declared.
“The most successful leagues around the world—IPL, EPL, NBA, MLB, NFL—continue to innovate and evolve their product, and as an emerging league, we are no different.”
Of course, in this case the ‘innovation’ is merely reverting to a format that’s been used by the rest of the golfing world for more than a century, a move many see as an embarrassing sign of defeat.
That said, it’s a change the vast majority of LIV Golf players are happy to see, including two-time major winner and former world number one Jon Rahm.
“LIV Golf is a player’s league, 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,” the 30-year-old Spaniard said.
America’s Dustin Johnson, another former world number one, agrees.
“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,” Johnson admitted.
The first LIV Golf event under the ‘new’ format will most likely take place in February 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.