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The Starter: Is LIV still LIV or is it now LXXII?

Going from 54 to 72-hole tournaments was a big deal this week for the fledgling league; The LPGA and the Saudi PIF hook up; Phil Mickelson is in the news — again; Luke Kwon ... need we say more?

🏌️ LIV Golf will play its 2026 individual tournaments over 72 holes instead of 54, which had been the case in the league’s first four years. Is this strictly as effort to appease the Official World Golf Ranking?

Liv Golf Riyadh
LIV Golf signage at LIV Golf Riyadh.

🏌️ Rory McIlroy said the LIV change was a “peculiar move.” Lee Westwood, co-captain of the LIV Majesticks, said McIlroy could “change his mind next week.” Who says the rivalry has fizzled out?

🏌️ LIV’s Promotions Event, in which the top two finishers will play in the league next year, will be played in the U.S. for the first time, at Black Diamond Ranch in Florida. The PGA Tour says the event is off-limits to its members. That doesn’t look as if a deal is imminent, does it?

🏌️ The LPGA is partnering with the Saudi PIF, which is the LIV Golf financial backer, for the Aramco Championship in April at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas. Does anyone have a problem with this?

🏌️ A report in financial publication Hunterbrook accuses Phil Mickelson of sharing insider information on an embattled oil company with a group of investors. Mickelson calls the report “slanderous.” Is Lefty in trouble again?

🏌️ At the World Wide Technology Championship on the PGA Tour this week, U.S. Ryder Cupper Ben Griffin attended a talk by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. Does Griffin think AI will help his golf game?

🏌️ MyGolfSpy says the Internet Invitational, which got about 5 million views, could “redefine pro golf.” Seriously?

🏌️ Is Luke Kwon the most hated golfer on the internet?

🏌️ Only five players have a chance to win the Charles Schwab Cup on the Champions Tour. Can you name them?


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