LIV Golf champion details ‘discussions’ over format change

There was one major flaw to LIV Golf that Jon Rahm couldn’t get on board with. 

Ultimately, his payday outweighed that request, as The Masters champion signed the dotted line on his contract last week. 

At the 2022 U.S. Open, Rahm said: “To be honest, part of the (LIV) format is not really appealing to me.  

“Shotgun three days to me is not a golf tournament, no cut. It’s that simple.  

“I want to play against the best in the world in a format that’s been going on for hundreds of years. That’s what I want to see.” 

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But that could all be about to change for the Saudi-backed circuit, as LIV’s Individual champion has hinted at potential changes. 

The Spaniard told reporters last week that he is hopeful LIV will listen to his advice and new developments suggest his wish could be granted. 

Talor Gooch, who recently signed for Brooks Koepka’s Smash GC, claims 54 holes could be a thing of the past for the circuit. 

He told Golf Digest: “We haven’t had an open forum discussion with all the players. 

“But you get both sides… guys who would welcome (changing to 72 holes) and some guys who are opposed to it. Discussions will be had, and it’ll be interesting to see what comes of it. 

“I think LIV Golf was meant to be something different; I think it’s not supposed to be a carbon copy of the rest of professional golf.  

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“I lean towards keeping it at 54 holes.  

“Part of it, too, from my experience on the PGA Tour, was Thursdays are just irrelevant from a fan perspective (except for) only a couple times a year.” 

The 32-year-old also argued that Rahm would not have signed for LIV if he thought there would be no competition. 

“(Rahm) has been vocal about some stuff he didn’t love but he wouldn’t have come to LIV if he thought he was going to win 10 tournaments a year.  

“He’s a true competitor. It’s beyond exciting [to have Rahm].” 

Either way, Rahm will have to get used to the format on Greg Norman’s league, as the PGA Tour confirmed his suspension this week. 

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.