Tyrrell Hatton says most LIV Golf players initially pushed back on the league’s move to 72-hole events — a stark contrast to the unified praise that accompanied the official announcement.
Speaking ahead of the 2025 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, Hatton revealed that a player questionnaire distributed after his first season showed overwhelming opposition to extending tournaments from 54 to 72 holes.
A Poll LIV Didn’t Publicize
Hatton, one of LIV’s most prominent signings and a mainstay on recent European Ryder Cup teams, said the survey results were lopsided.
“At the end of my first season, there was a questionnaire,” Hatton said. “One of the questions was about moving to 72 holes. I think of everyone who filled it out, only three guys initially said yes.”
Despite being one of the early supporters, Hatton admitted the idea wasn’t popular at the time. But a year later, he believes sentiment has shifted — and he’s pleased the league is making the change now.
“I think it’s a good thing that LIV have moved to four rounds,” he said. “I’m quite happy we’ve moved to 72 holes.”
Public Praise vs. Private Reservations
Hatton’s comments stand in contrast to the glowing endorsements LIV released when announcing the format overhaul.
World No. 1 Jon Rahm called the change “a win for the League,” saying 72 holes would strengthen competition and better serve fans. Dustin Johnson added that four-round tournaments “feel more like the big events we grew up playing.” Joaquin Niemann and Bryson DeChambeau echoed similar sentiments, with DeChambeau framing the move as a “proactive step” toward aligning with traditional global standards.
The OWGR Factor
Beyond competitive purity, the shift is widely viewed as an attempt to address LIV’s stalled bid for Official World Golf Ranking points. The 54-hole format has been one of the major technical obstacles to OWGR recognition — a problem that has limited LIV players’ pathways into major championships.
If the new format helps break that impasse, LIV’s top names are more likely to remain visible on golf’s biggest stages.
Whether players’ opinions truly changed — or simply aligned with the league’s strategic needs — Hatton’s revelation underscores the behind-the-scenes debate that preceded LIV’s most significant structural shift to date.
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