LIV Golf’s offseason has been anything but smooth, and even its own supporters seem divided over the changes. The headline was Brooks Koepka’s move back to the PGA Tour, making him the first high-profile player to leave the Saudi-backed league.
LIV Golf’s offseason has been anything but smooth, and even its own supporters seem divided over the changes.
The headline was Brooks Koepka’s move back to the PGA Tour, making him the first high-profile player to leave the Saudi-backed league.
This marks a clear setback for LIV in terms of on-course talent. Not only did Koepka walk away, but they also failed to attract any big names, with talks even breaking down with Si Woo Kim.
The league faces a tumultuous future, with its survival precarious. The PGA Tour is actively pursuing Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm, and LIV must retain its star players to ensure its existence.
The fact that Bubba Watson, a two-time Masters champion and one of their captains, has criticized the tour for a significant change implemented this winter is another source of concern.
Bubba Watson asks LIV Golf to U-Turn on major decision made this offseason
LIV Golf moved away from its original identity this offseason, switching to a traditional 72-hole format in hopes of earning Official World Golf Ranking points for its players.
While Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau were in favour of the change, it has not gone down well with everyone. Dustin Johnson and Watson have both spoken out in favour of sticking with the shorter format.
When asked by The Mirror if he backs the switch to 72 holes, Watson said: “No. I think we should go back to three days. And there’s a reason why. I think that at the sprint, everybody stays together.
“When you go four days, you’re going to have some more spread out leaders, and it just kind of takes away your last round, right?
“And when everybody’s close, battling, it puts more people in the mix on a Sunday or the last round on a Saturday, whichever tournament you’re at. And so that just makes it better for the fans when there’s chaos happening.”
LIV made this decision partly because their top names were not winning enough events to draw regular viewers. Even though Rahm won the individual title, consistent star power at the top was lacking.
This change is aimed at getting big names into contention more often – even if it means upsetting players like Watson, whose team, the Range Goats, finished 10th in last year’s standings.
LIV Golf abandons its identity in 2025
LIV seems to be moving away from everything that once set it apart as we head into 2026. Rory McIlroy was quick to point out that with LIV’s switch to 72 holes, there is not much left separating them from other tours – calling them an alternative that lacks originality.
It is hard to disagree with him at this stage. Each new change feels less like innovation and more like an attempt to fit in with what is already established.
Fans have also criticised the tour’s new TV leaderboard. The old pylon ran down the left side of the screen, clearly showing team affiliations – a feature that highlighted LIV’s unique team structure.
Now, teams are barely visible, reduced to small white logos beside player names. It sends a clear message: LIV is putting individual competition ahead of its team concept.
As pressure builds, instead of embracing what set it apart and strengthening its fan base, LIV appears to be moving further away from its original identity. The differences between it and the PGA Tour are becoming harder to spot.
Category: General Sports
