LIV Golf set to unveil field changes ahead of 2024 season

A significant change is coming to the format of the LIV Golf League in 2024 that will see field sizes increase from 48 to 54 players.

The addition of a 13th four-man team, spearheaded by marquee signing and Masters champion Jon Rahm, will inflate the field size from 48 to 52.

bunkered.co.uk has learned that will be increased further to include two additional players who will play as unsigned individuals, expanding the field to 54.

The finer details of the change are still under discussion but it is expected that one place will be reserved for the leader in the Asian Tour’s International Series standings with another ‘wild card’ going to a player invited at the discretion of a sponsor or the presenting tournament.

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The extra two players each week will be eligible for LIV Golf individual ranking points and, in the event they are a professional golfer, prize money.

LIV officials are remaining tight-lipped on the specifics of the change but it’s expected it will be introduced in time for the opening event of the 2024 LIV Golf League season, taking place at Mayakoba in Mexico from February 2-4.

It is understood the league’s much-discussed shotgun start will remain in place for this coming season, with 18 three-balls getting under way simultaneously instead of the 16 in place previously.

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Elsewhere, bunkered.co.uk understands that Lucas Herbert is set to join his fellow Australians Cam Smith, Marc Leishman and Matt Jones on Ripper GC this season.

A spot on the team opened up following Jed Morgan’s relegation from the league. That place is expected to be taken by current world No.69 Herbert, a winner on both the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.

Further signings are anticipated before the opening event of the season, with three places still to be confirmed on Jon Rahm’s new team, Legion XIII.

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor