LIV Golf is adjusting its rules to increase the number of players who qualify for the next season, ensure \u200dperformance has more immediate consequences and distribute points across the entire field.<\/p>\n
Beginning in 2026, LIV\u2019s protected \u201cLock Zone\u201d will grow from 24 players to 34, giving roughly 60% of the 57-man league guaranteed \u200cstatus for the following year. \u200cThe \u201cOpen Zone\u201d will shrink by two spots and now includes the top 46 players who are free to change teams but are not necessarily guaranteed \u200ba spot in the league.<\/p>\n
Anyone finishing 47th or worse falls into relegation territory.<\/p>\n
The move \u200darrives with the Official \u200bWorld Golf Ranking board meeting this \u200bweek, with LIV\u2019s pursuit of ranking points still \u200da central backdrop for the Saudi-funded circuit.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe changes we\u2019re introducing for 2026 are about rewarding consistency, strengthening team golf and creating clearer pathways for players to earn their place \u200dand progress within the league,\u201d CEO Scott O\u2019Neil said.<\/p>\n
LIV will also begin awarding points to every player \u200din the \u200dfield instead of stopping at \u200bthe top 24, with the points \u200bhigher \u2060for top finishers. It previously \u200cannounced a shift to 72-hole events after four seasons of 54-hole tournaments.<\/p>\n
The league\u2019s season opens Feb. 4 in Riyadh. LIV has raised its total purse to $30 million, including a doubled $10 million team prize.<\/p>\n
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