Strong Winds of Change Sweep Through LIV Golf in 2026

Field Expanded to 57 Players, Tournament Format Changed to 72 Holes
Two Added via International Series Ranking, Three Promoted Through Qualification
Koepka Departs; Stenson, Jang Yubin, and Ogletree Relegated
Perez, Canter, Detry, and Smylie Join as Newcomers

Winds of change are sweeping through LIV Golf, which is backed by Saudi Arabian oil capital. Since its launch in 2022, LIV Golf has succeeded in drawing attention with bold innovations such as eliminating the cut, allowing shorts during rounds, implementing the shotgun start, and introducing team competitions. However, these efforts have not been enough. In particular, the superstar players who were signed for massive contracts have yet to deliver blockbuster success.

This year, in its fifth season, LIV Golf is attempting a variety of changes. These transformations are seen as efforts to earn world ranking points. The tournament format has shifted from a three-day, 54-hole event to a four-day, 72-hole event. The number of participants has also increased: while 54 players competed last year, this year the field has expanded to 57.

Brooks Koepka announced at the end of last year that he would leave LIV Golf. Photo by AP Yonhap News

In addition, a relegation and promotion system has been introduced. The range of players utilized has also broadened. Two players joined through the International Series Ranking (ISR), and three players secured LIV Golf spots via the promotion event. All these changes are aimed at acquiring Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points. Further adjustments are expected leading up to the season opener in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, next month.

Much has changed since the end of last season. There have been contract renewals for top players and new faces joining the league. The biggest news is the departure announcement of "major hunter" Brooks Koepka (United States). In 2022, Koepka moved to LIV Golf from the PGA Tour with a lucrative contract. After four years, he decided to leave LIV Golf at the end of last year.

Koepka was the captain of Smash Golf Club. Taylor Gooch (United States) will now take on that role. Koepka stated, "I felt this was the right time to spend more time at home. I decided to leave the team." Koepka is a former world number one. He is the first major champion and marquee player recruited in LIV Golf's debut season to leave the league. His departure is a significant blow for LIV Golf.

Jang Yubin lost his card last year due to poor performance at LIV Golf. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Several other players have also left LIV Golf. Henrik Stenson (Sweden), Mito Pereira (Chile), Andy Ogletree, Anthony Kim (both United States), and Frederik Kjettrup (Denmark) were relegated due to underperformance. Jang Yubin, the only Korean member of LIV Golf, also lost his card after failing to finish within the top 48 in the individual standings and is returning to the domestic tour.

There are also new additions. Victor Perez (France) and Laurie Canter (United Kingdom) have joined. Perez has three wins on the DP World Tour and competed on the PGA Tour last year. Canter, a two-time winner on the DP World Tour, previously played in LIV Golf from 2022 to 2024. With Canter's addition, the Majesticks Golf Club-featuring Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, and Sam Horsfield-is now composed entirely of British players.

Thomas Detry, the winner of the PGA Tour Phoenix Open, is reported to be joining LIV Golf starting this year. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

The addition of these two players is not the end. According to The Times (UK), Thomas Detry (Belgium) and Elvis Smylie (Australia) will also compete in the LIV Golf season opener this year. Detry is a strong contender who won last year's PGA Tour WM Phoenix Open, becoming the first Belgian player to win on the PGA Tour. Smylie is a promising talent on the DP World Tour who made his name by defeating Cameron Smith (Australia) to win the 2024 Australian PGA Championship.

There are also new entrants who will inject fresh energy into the tour. Scott Vincent from Zimbabwe and Asaji Yosuke from Japan earned their cards through the International Series Ranking. Vincent, who previously played for Iron Heads Golf Club, was relegated in 2024 but regained his status after impressive performances, including a win at the International Series Morocco.

Dustin Johnson, ranked number one in the world, has extended his contract with LIV Golf. Photo by AFP News Agency

While Koepka has left LIV Golf, some players have renewed their contracts. Well-known players who have been with LIV Golf since its inception have signed multi-year deals. Dustin Johnson (United States), Westwood, Poulter, and Sergio Garcia (Spain) are among those reported to have secured long-term contracts. There have also been team changes. Abraham Ancer (Mexico) left Fireballs Golf Club, formerly led by Garcia, to join Torque Golf Club, captained by Joaquin Niemann (Chile), who led LIV Golf in wins last year.