Greg Norman Reveals that LIV is Considering Moving to a 72-Hole Format

Nearly two years after its debut, it appears that one of the differentiators of LIV Golf may soon be going away.

When the circuit debuted, some of the selling points to golfers coming from the PGA Tour were fewer tournaments, fewer rounds per tournament, and no cut.

But as time has gone on, the call for LIV to go from 54 holes per event to 72 has grown – largely in hopes that it could help the circuit earn points in the Official World Golf Rankings.

Jon Rahm, who moved to LIV in time for the 2024 season, has said that he wished the events were 72 holes. At Augusta for the Masters, Phil Mickelson – who was the first big-name player to join the rival league that would become LIV Golf – said that he wouldn’t be surprised if LIV moved to 72-hole events.

Now, it appears that the change is being seriously considered.

LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman, speaking on the eve of LIV’s tournament in Adelaide, Australia, said he’s open to the change:

“There are things that we sit back and look at to see what is the most optimal solution to make this a better and better and better event, and 72 holes are discussed.”

Transcript from Wednesday’s press conference at #LIVGolf Adelaide involving Greg Norman, Peter Malinauskas and @LegionXIIIgc Captain Jon Rahm.

Link: https://t.co/j6mh5LXw51 pic.twitter.com/L8L73VTyTF

— LIV Golf Communications (@LIVGolfComms) April 24, 2024

Norman said that while the change would have positive effects, he said there’s a lot more to consider when adding a day to every event, including business costs, how fans would attend an event on Thursday, and media rights coverage.

Norman continued:

“It’s a great conversation to have. We will continue to have that conversation going forward. But we sit back and say, what value do we get on putting on television on Thursday? How do we build out in the future?”

Rahm, who has yet to win since joining the LIV circuit, was sitting with Norman and said from his perspective, it would be a good change but admitted that there’s more to making the decision.

Jon Rahm expanded on his comments about a potential 72-hole move.

He clearly prefers it but seems content with the current 54-hole format – quite a mature outlook.

Greg Norman provided a perspective I haven’t heard discussed before regarding the economic impact of adding a… pic.twitter.com/4vWrjl5WHx

— Jake Hower (@JakeHower) April 24, 2024

Rahm said:

“I’m just a player. There’s a lot of people that are a lot smarter than me that can figure it out and explain why they believe 54 holes may be better for them. At the end of the day, LIV is a business. If it doesn’t fit the product, it doesn’t fit the product.”

LIV has returned to Australia for the first time since its inaugural event a year ago – one that garnered high praise for the large crowds and enthusiasm from the gallery.

Cover Image via Golf Magazine