Bubba Watson criticizes major LIV format change for 2026

Heading to Golf Season 2026 LIVBubba Watson is focused on capturing his first win at LIV. But to two-time Masters champion is also concerned about a major change the league is making for the new year.

In a new interview, Watson criticized LIV’s decision to dramatically change his tournament format to 72 holesprovided a protection for the 54-hole format and was opened Brooks Koepka’s PGA Tour Return.

Bubba’s 54-hole defense: ‘Better for the fans when there’s chaos’

In November, LIV Golf made the surprise announcement that they would change all their tournaments from 54 holes to 72 holes.

While it was a shock to see the league drop one of its defining characteristics, one that is also represented in the league’s name, there was a very good reason for it: the Official World Golf Ranking.

Since its inception, LIV has failed to gain recognition from the OWGR. As a result, most of its players have fallen in the world rankings and, more importantly, struggled to qualify for major championships.

LIV’s 54-hole format was one of the sticking points that kept LIV from gaining OWGR recognition.

But in one recent interview with Sam Frost of Mirror US SportsWatson publicly stated his disagreement with the format change.

When asked if he supported LIV’s move to 72 holes, Watson made his point as clear as possible.

“Um, no,” Watson began.

But he backed up his opinion with a detailed rationale. First, he criticized 72-hole tournaments, arguing that more holes lead to more runaway winners and less close action.

“I think we should go three days. And there’s a reason why. I think with the sprint, everybody stays together. When you go four days, you’re going to have a few more leaders spread out, and that’s just going to take the last lap out of you, right?” Watson argued.

He continued, explaining his belief that 54-hole tournaments result in tighter competition and invite more “chaos” into the proceedings, which is exactly what golf fans are hungry for.

“When everyone is fighting closely, it puts more people in the mix on Sunday or the last round on Saturday, whichever tournament you’re at, and it just makes it better for the fans when there’s chaos,” Watson said.

Watson’s stance differs from that of LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil. Just last week, O’Neil spoke confidently about LIV’s chances of securing OWGR recognition soonand the format change is a big reason why.

Watson opens on Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour

of Watson short interview with Mirror US Sports it didn’t just cover LIV’s format change. He also touched on the biggest news in golf from last week: Koepka’s decision to leave LIV and the PGA Tour’s decision to let Koepka return (albeit with high financial penalties).

As Watson sees it, Koepka’s departure in no way threatens the future of LIV Golf.

“The league is in a great place,” Watson said. “One person is not going to dictate what the league does.”

But he also spoke positively of Koepka, revealing that he is happy for the five-time major champion and pleased that Koepka was able to choose the pro golf path that best suits him and his family.

“The nice thing is, though, now (Koepka) can spend more time with his family, that’s what he wants. And that’s good, that’s great for him. As a friend, I hope he has a good time. It’s great that he’s still playing professional golf. LIV has always been around the streets to play other tournaments, so Wat said.”

As for his goals for 2026, 72 holes or not, Watson’s focus is simple. He wants to finally lifted his first career individual LIV trophy and win a championship for his team the RangeGoats.

“I want to win at LIV. I haven’t lifted an individual trophy at LIV… I’d like to lift a championship trophy for a team at LIV. That would be another notch on the belt.”

The 2026 LIV Golf season begins the first week of February with the LIV Golf Riyadh event in Saudi Arabia.