Overview
- The OWGR board convened Wednesday with a ruling on LIV eligibility possible by week’s end, even though a vote was not formally on the agenda.
- LIV detailed 2026 changes including 72-hole events, a 57-player field, points awarded to every finisher, an expanded Lock Zone guaranteeing status for the top 34, and increased relegation reported as rising to 11 players.
- League payouts are being reshaped with a $30 million total prize fund, a doubled $10 million team prize, and $2.3 million in event bonuses tied to team performance, while the $20 million individual purse remains.
- OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman has stressed merit-based entry and turnover as key hurdles, noting that most LIV players were initially invited rather than playing their way into the league.
- Recent roster moves underscore scrutiny of selection practices, with NCAA champion Michael La Sasso added and Jinichiro Kozuma saying he learned of his removal via social media, as LIV’s season opens February 4 in Riyadh and players await potential access to ranking-based majors.