LIV Golf announces format changes ahead of Jon Rahm debut

LIV Golf has announced late changes to its format, as Jon Rahm makes his debut in Mexico.

The Spaniard signed a deal worth up to £450 million in December after publicly criticising the breakaway league’s setup.

Prior to his Saudi switch, Rahm was sceptical about LIV’s format, explaining that he wanted to play against the best players in the world in a traditional manner.

“Shotgun [start] with three days to me is not a golf tournament, no cut,” he said.

“It’s that simple. I wanna play against the best in the world in a format that’s been going on for hundreds of years. I’ve never liked the format.”

• New LIV signing claims majors risk becoming more “obselete”

• LIV Golf secures major TV deal

However, that is all set to change as the Masters champion begins his bid to be crowned LIV Golf champion.

On the heels of announcing finalised team rosters, Wild Cards, TV deals and tech partnerships, LIV Golf has now made enhancements to the competition.

To accommodate Rahm, his new franchise Legion XIII – completed by Tyrrell Hatton, Caleb Surratt and Kieran Vincent – means 13 teams will now compete.

Meanwhile, two Wild Card players have been introduced. One of which will change throughout the season, with the other handed to Hudson Swafford for all 14 events.

Former LIV golfer Laurie Canter has sealed the spot for the opening two weeks, in Mexico and Las Vegas, as the two players compete without a team.

From 2024, each team’s top three scores will count for rounds one and two, while all four scores will now count for each team in the event’s final round.

Players who finish on the same score will have points added up and distributed evenly.

• LIV Golf Las Vegas: Preview

• LIV Golf chairman reveals stance on PGA Tour deal

Updated cut-offs for season-long individual standings have been announced, to reflect the increase in field size. The Open Zone will consist of players finishing 24-48 and the Drop Zone for players 49 and below.

And finally, prize payouts have been adjusted to account for the six players added to the field, while the team that finishes 13th will attend but not compete in the Team Championship.

“The competition updates for 2024 reflect a natural evolution of the LIV Golf League format and illustrate our commitment to further enhancing an exciting product for the players and the fans,” said LIV Golf SVP of Competition Management David Benne.

“League leadership will continue to work with our world-class players and teams to strengthen LIV Golf competition as we move the sport into the future.

“We’re looking forward to the League’s season opener this week and a thrilling year ahead.”

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.