Since its launch in 2022, LIV Golf has steadily built its identity as a breakaway league challenging traditional golf. But now, with four new qualifying spots confirmed for 2026, LIV is signaling a strategic shift.
On Monday, the league announced that the top two players from both the International Series and LIV Golf Promotions will qualify for next season. That’s double the previous allotment, potentially expanding the league’s roster to 56 players.
In 2025, LIV fielded 54 players across 13 teams, with Chieh-Po Lee and Anthony Kim competing as wildcards. The new additions could pave the way for a 14th team, further diversifying the competition.
This expansion will follow the 2024 debut of Legion XIII, a team formed around Jon Rahm and featuring Tyrrell Hatton, Caleb Surratt, and Tom McKibbin, who punched his ticket to The Masters and The Open after winning the Hong Kong Open on Sunday. It’s the kind of upward mobility LIV wants to showcase more often.
“LIV Golf continues to expand pathways for players around the world to qualify into the first truly global golf league,” stated CEO Scott O’Neil in a statement. “As fan interest in LIV Golf continues to increase and the opportunity to compete across the U.S., Asia Pacific, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East against some of the biggest names in golf grows, it’s only natural that we broaden access for talented, ambitious players to earn their way into the league.”
But this isn’t just about numbers.
LIV’s new changes mark a significant step toward achieving the Official World Golf Ranking that LIV Golf has been seeking since its inception.
LIV’s Renewed Bid for OWGR
The league, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), has been chasing OWGR points since its inaugural season. The first application, filed under Greg Norman, was rejected in 2023 due to concerns over LIV’s format and exclusivity.
That rejection stung hard. Players like Eugenio Chacarra left the league in frustration, citing broken promises regarding ranking eligibility and the impact on access to major championships.
Many LIV pros have lost the Ryder Cup spot without OWGR points. No matter how well they play, the players are unable to advance more quickly due to the lack of ranking recognition.
Now, under O’Neil’s leadership, LIV has reapplied. The new application, submitted in July 2025, is currently under review.
“We are confident our application addresses the outstanding questions … to support a more global, all-encompassing, and accurate ranking system,” O’Neil expressed in a statement in July.
Later, OWGR Chairman Trevor Immelman acknowledged the submission, stating: “The OWGR Board is committed to a thorough evaluation process of all applications… We appreciate the interest of LIV Golf — and all Tours — in contributing to the global landscape of men’s professional golf.”
The road ahead is still steep, though. The League’s 54-hole events, shotgun starts and team scoring system are still problems.
Meanwhile, the final two events of the International Series are set to determine who earns those coveted spots. Scott Vincent and Miguel Tabuena currently lead the standings, but Wade Ormsby, a seasoned LIV participant, could still shake things up.
According to Flushing It on X, LIV Golf Promotions will run Jan. 8–11 at Black Diamond Ranch in Florida, featuring four rounds of stroke play with cuts after 18 and 36 holes.
More Golf: PGA Tour Champions Offers Clear Response on Tiger Woods