1. From “Quick 54 Holes” to “Traditional 72 Holes” — A Turning Point for LIV Golf

Since its debut in 2022, LIV Golf has promoted its 54-hole format as a bold distinction: faster, fresher, and giving players “more time for family.” However, that very difference became a major obstacle when the league sought Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points.

Three-round events (54 holes) failed to meet OWGR’s criteria for long-term performance assessment, causing LIV’s stars to slide rapidly down the rankings — and, in turn, limiting their access to major championships.

Thus, the move to 72 holes appears not just desirable but inevitable — a way to regain competitive credibility, reopen the OWGR door, and help its players re-enter prestigious events like The Masters, The Open, and the U.S. Open.

Still, within LIV’s own ranks, opinions are split on whether this is progress or politics.

2. Tyrrell Hatton: “Only Three of Us Said Yes”

English golfer Tyrrell Hatton, a member of Legion XIII, shared an eye-opening revelation during the Abu Dhabi Championship press conference.
After his first LIV season in 2024, organizers reportedly sent an internal survey asking players for feedback on potential format changes — including the shift to 72 holes.

“One of the questions was whether we wanted to play 72 holes,” Hatton said. “And I remember only about three of us said ‘yes’ out of everyone who responded.”

That statement caught many by surprise. It suggests that, initially, most LIV golfers preferred to keep the 54-hole format — likely because it was shorter, less tiring, and easier to manage within their schedules.

Yet, barely a year later, the league’s leadership made the switch — signaling a top-down decision driven by higher-level strategy or competitive pressure.

Still, Hatton expressed support for the change. A two-time Ryder Cup winner who has placed T15 at The Masters and T4 at the U.S. Open, Hatton recognizes the value of aligning LIV with traditional golf standards.

“I’m quite happy with the change,” he said. “It brings us closer to traditional golf, and it makes qualifying for majors much more realistic.”

3. Lee Westwood: “Rory Will Change His Mind Next Week”

While Hatton’s tone was diplomatic, fellow LIV veteran Lee Westwood took a sharper stance. After Rory McIlroy labeled LIV’s 72-hole shift “peculiar” and doubted its impact on OWGR approval, Westwood fired back during the talkSPORT Breakfast Show:

“I don’t pay too much attention to what Rory says,” Westwood remarked. “He’ll change his mind next week.”

The former World No. 1 defended the change as logical and beneficial:

“There are a few reasons for it. Some players focus on the majors, and playing only 54 holes puts them at a disadvantage in terms of fitness and rhythm. Playing 72 holes helps them prepare better. Of course, OWGR points are also part of it. While some 54-hole events have earned points before, 72 holes clearly align better with the criteria.”

4. A New LIV — Between Commerce and Competition

From the contrasting perspectives of Hatton and Westwood, it’s clear that LIV Golf is evolving — from a spectacle to a serious sporting structure.
What began as a flashy entertainment product — complete with music, team names, and record-breaking prize money — is now pivoting toward professional recognition.

The 72-hole expansion is more than a technical adjustment; it’s a political statement:
LIV wants to be seen as part of the golf establishment, not merely an outsider backed by Saudi funding.

5. 72 Holes — A Bridge or a Breaking Point?

While LIV’s players may hold differing views, the new format reflects the league’s maturity and strategic recalibration. For players like Hatton, it’s a gateway back to the majors; for Westwood, it’s a declaration that LIV seeks legitimacy within world golf.

Will 72 holes become the bridge that reconnects LIV with the heart of global golf — or just another tactical move in its long rivalry with the PGA Tour? The answer remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: LIV Golf has finally stepped out of the “54-hole shadow” — beginning a new chapter where what matters isn’t just the number of holes, but how it redefines the game itself.

GolfEdit.com