The global golf spotlight shifts this week as LIV Golf opens its 2026 season with LIV Golf Riyadh, marking the second consecutive year the league begins in Saudi Arabia’s capital. Scheduled for February 4–7, 2026, the event takes place entirely under lights, transforming professional golf into a nighttime spectacle set against the Riyadh skyline.
This tournament is more than just a season opener. It is the first true test of LIV Golf’s new competitive structure, as the league enters its fifth year with expanded formats, higher stakes, and a deeper emphasis on team competition.
LIV Golf in 2026: A League Still Evolving
Founded in 2022 and financed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, LIV Golf was designed as a disruptive alternative to traditional professional golf. The league introduced no-cut events, shotgun starts, guaranteed money, and a heavy emphasis on fan experience. While it has faced criticism over sportswashing and the disruption of established tours, LIV Golf has continued to grow its audience and competitive legitimacy.
For 2026, LIV Golf introduces several major changes:
- All events expanded to 72 holes (up from 54)
- 57-player fields (13 teams of four plus five wild cards)
- $30 million purse per event ($22M individual, $8M team)
- Promotion and relegation system (bottom four drop; top three earn entry via LIV Golf Promotions)
- 14-event global schedule from February through August
With stars like Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau headlining, the league enters 2026 with renewed momentum and heightened scrutiny.
Event Overview: LIV Golf Riyadh
- Dates: February 4–7, 2026
- Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Venue: Riyadh Golf Club
- Format: 72-hole stroke play, individual + team competition
- Field: 57 players (13 teams + 5 wild cards)
- Purse: $30 million
- Individual Winner’s Share: $4 million
- Team Winner’s Share: Approximately $3 million
The event uses shotgun starts and has no cut, encouraging aggressive scoring and keeping all players and teams in contention through all four rounds. Sponsored by ROSHN Group, the tournament also features fan zones, concerts, and premium hospitality options, reinforcing LIV’s entertainment-forward identity.
The Course: Riyadh Golf Club
Located roughly 20 minutes from central Riyadh, Riyadh Golf Club is a modern desert championship layout opened in 2005 and managed by Golf Saudi.
- Par: 71 (occasionally set up as par 72)
- Yardage: 7,408–7,464 yards
- Greens: Bermuda overseeded with rye
- Scoring Average: ~70 in prior LIV events
Key challenges include water hazards on multiple holes, desert waste areas, and strategic bunkering. Standout holes include the 681-yard par-5 2nd, the fully water-surrounded par-3 8th, and the demanding 204-yard par-3 17th, which historically averages over par.
In calm conditions, expect winning scores around -20 or better.
Field Breakdown: Teams and Star Power
The 57-player field features 13 teams of four, plus five wild cards, blending established stars with international depth.
Notable Teams (as of January 19, 2026)
- 4Aces GC: Dustin Johnson (C), Patrick Reed, Thomas Detry, Thomas Pieters
- Cleeks GC: Martin Kaymer (C), Richard Bland, Adrian Meronk, Victor Perez
- Crushers GC: Bryson DeChambeau (C), Paul Casey, Charles Howell III, Anirban Lahiri
- Fireballs GC: Sergio Garcia (C), Jose Luis Ballester, David Puig, Luis Masaveu
- HyFlyers GC: Phil Mickelson (C), Cameron Tringale, Andy Ogletree, Brendan Steele
- Korean Golf Club: Byeong Hun An (C), Danny Lee, Younghan Song, Minkyu Kim
- Legion XIII: Jon Rahm (C), Tyrrell Hatton, Caleb Surratt, Tom McKibbin
- Majesticks GC: Ian Poulter & Lee Westwood (co-C), Sam Horsfield, Laurie Canter
- RangeGoats GC: Bubba Watson (C), Peter Uihlein, Matthew Wolff, Ben Campbell
- Ripper GC: Cameron Smith (C), Marc Leishman, Elvis Smylie, Lucas Herbert
- Smash GC: Talor Gooch (C), Jason Kokrak, Graeme McDowell, Harold Varner III
- Southern Guards GC: Louis Oosthuizen (C), Charl Schwartzel, Branden Grace, Dean Burmester
- Torque GC: Joaquin Niemann (C), Sebastian Muñoz, Abraham Ancer, Carlos Ortiz
Wild Cards: Anthony Kim, Richard T. Lee, Bjorn Hellgren, Scott Vincent, Yosuke Asaji
Defending individual champion Adrian Meronk returns after winning in Riyadh in 2025, while Legion XIII looks to build on its dominant team performance from last year.
Recent Winners and Trends
Riyadh debuted as a LIV season opener in 2025. Recent LIV openers and comparable events show volatility but reward elite ball-striking and confident putting.
| Year | Event | Individual Winner | Score | Team Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Riyadh | Adrian Meronk | -13 | Legion XIII |
| 2024 | Mayakoba | Joaquin Niemann | -12 (PO) | Crushers GC |
| 2023 | Mayakoba | Charles Howell III | -16 | Crushers GC |
| 2022 | London | Charl Schwartzel | -7 | Stinger GC |
With the shift to 72 holes, endurance and consistency become more important than in prior seasons.
Betting Outlook
Early odds favor Rahm due to his dominance over the past two LIV seasons, but history suggests caution.
Early favorites include:
- Jon Rahm (+550 / +600)
- Tyrrell Hatton (+600 / +700)
- Bryson DeChambeau (+700 / +750)
- Joaquin Niemann (+650 / +800)
Longshots have won LIV season openers before, including Meronk (+2500) in Riyadh last year.
What to Watch This Week
LIV Golf Riyadh 2026 serves as a statement event. It introduces LIV’s expanded competitive format, reinforces its commitment to team golf, and sets the tone for a season filled with global stops, rivalries, and ongoing discussions about LIV’s place in the professional golf ecosystem.
Expect aggressive scoring, visible team strategy, and plenty of conversation around how this evolving league continues to reshape the sport.
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