LIV expands secure positions by 10, raises team prize funds.
LIV Golf has taken a significant step towards increased turnover in its 57-man league by announcing modifications on Wednesday that include granting points to every competitor in the field and raising the number of players who secure status to 34.
This announcement coincides with a meeting of the Official World Golf Ranking board, which included discussions on LIV’s application for ranking points.
LIV had previously revealed its transition to 72 holes after four years of 54-hole tournaments, which inspired the league’s name—LIV is the Roman numeral for 54—backed by Saudi funding.
“The modifications we are implementing for 2026 aim to reward consistency, enhance team golf, and establish clearer pathways for players to earn their positions and advance within the league,” stated Scott O’Neil, the CEO of LIV Golf.
He noted that the changes—72 holes, an increase in the field by three players, and the expanded points system—would clearly indicate that performance is crucial.
“We believe this evolution makes LIV Golf more competitive, more transparent, and ultimately more thrilling for players, teams, and fans globally,” O’Neil remarked.
The most significant alteration for LIV is the expansion of its “Lock Zone” from the top 24 players to the top 34 players, ensuring their participation in the league for the following year.
The “Open Zone” will see a reduction of two spots—from the top 48 to the top 46 players—who are free to switch teams but are not guaranteed a place in the league. Jinichiro Kozuma was one of four players from the Open Zone who did not return, while Pat Perez was not signed in the previous season.
Players finishing beyond 47th place will face relegation, a decrease from those outside the top 48.
“These changes enhance turnover and meritocratic pathways into the league, increase competitive tension throughout the season, reflect the larger field size in 2026, and aim to provide greater clarity regarding season-long performance benchmarks,” O’Neil explained.
LIV will also distribute points to every player in the field, rather than just the top 24. Joaquín Niemann secured five victories last season but finished second to Jon Rahm—who did not win—due to two tournaments where the Chilean did not accumulate points.
Points will also be elevated for the top finishers.
LIV had previously announced that the total prize fund will rise to $30 million, with the team prize increasing to $10 million. Although the $20 million individual purse remains unchanged, LIV will allocate $2.3 million at each event for top performers whose teams finish in the top three.
The season is set to commence on February 4 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Meritocracy was a primary concern as the OWGR deliberated on whether to incorporate LIV Golf. A majority of the players were under contract, and the turnover rate was significantly lower than that of other tours within the OWGR system.
While a vote on LIV was not expected to be on the agenda, a decision by the end of this week seemed likely.
LIV started in 2022 with 12 teams and 48 players. It has since expanded to 13 teams and five unattached players who qualified through an event and the Asian Tour’s International Series.
