Jon Rahm gets his wish as LIV Golf makes truly staggering announcement

LIV Golf have confirmed they have abandoned their 54-hole format. 

From 2026, all of their tournaments will be contested over 72 holes of stroke play. 

LIV Golf officials said the team element will remain in place. 

The stunning announcement will no doubt bolster the PIF-backed league's attempts to be recognised by the sports global rankings body. 

LIV are still without Official World Golf Ranking accreditation but they renewed their bid in the summer. 

The lucrative LIV Golf circuit was launched in 2022 and fractured men's professional golf by signing high-profile players including Jon Rahm, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, Cameron Smith, Brooks Koepka and Phil Mickelson. 

In recent weeks, LIV have announced more pathways to the league. 

The leading two players in the International Series and the top two finishers in their qualifying school tournament next January will be fully exempt on LIV Golf in 2026.

Confirming the news, LIV Golf chief executive, Scot O'Neill, said: "As we enter our fourth season as a League, the move to 72 holes marks a pivotal new chapter for LIV Golf that strengthens our league, challenges our elite field of players, and delivers more of the world-class golf, energy, innovation and access that our global audience wants. 

"We're seeing upward momentum and traction from Hong Kong to Adelaide to Indianapolis, and that heightened interest opens the door to add another day of golf while benefiting our fans, players, marketing partners, and our global media partners.

"The most successful leagues around the world - IPL, EPL, NBA, MLB, NFL - continue to innovate and evolve their product, and as an emerging league, we are no different.

"LIV Golf will always have an eye towards progress that acts in the best interest of LIV Golf and in the best interest of the sport."

The news will be welcomed by the likes of Rahm. 

Rahm was LIV Golf's marquee signing in December 2024 and called for the league to change their format before his Masters defense. 

"I don't know if I'm alone in this, but I definitely wouldn't mind going back to 72 holes," he told BBC Sport last April. 

"This is a win for the League, and the players," Rahm said in a statement. 

"LIV Golf is a player's league. We are competitors to the core and we want every opportunity to compete at the highest level and to perfect our craft. 

"Moving to 72 holes is the logical next step that strengthens the competition, tests us more fully, and if the growing galleries from last season are any indication, delivers more of what the fans want."

Added two-time US Open champion DeChambeau: "Everyone wants to see the best players in the world competing against each other, especially in the majors, and for the good of the game, we need a path forward. 

"By moving to 72 holes, LIV Golf is taking a proactive step to align with the historic format recognized globally. 

"This is a fantastic evolution of the LIV Golf product, showing how our league listens and adapts to create the best possible experience."

LIV Golf will begin their fourth full season next February in Riyadh. 

As ever, there are 13 regular events plus a season-ending team championship. 

All eyes will be on how the PGA Tour react to this news. 

At the beginning of the year, there was optimism the established North American circuit could broker a deal with LIV's backers to end the split in men's professional golf. 

Talks were held between American president Donald Trump, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, Tiger Woods, Adam Scott and Yasir Al-Rumayyan. 

Al-Rumayyan is the chairman of the PIF. 

ESPN reported Al-Rumayyan left the White House furious with the terms offered. 

Sources close to both sides now believe no deal will ever come to pass.

LIV Golf are currently attempting to recruit new players. 

This stunning announcement will likely persuade some players who have been on the fence about joining. 

This is a breaking news story and is currently being updated.