Tyrrell Hatton Reveals LIV Pros Initially Opposed Format Change in Recent Poll
LIV Golf’s transition from 54-hole to 72-hole tournaments is creating significant buzz in the golf community. While some players, including Tyrrell Hatton, initially opposed the format change, the recent poll revealed shifting opinions.
Tyrrell Hatton Discusses LIV Player Poll
During the pre-tournament press conference at the 2025 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, Tyrrell Hatton addressed the recent change. He mentioned that a player poll conducted last year showed a predominant opposition to the 72-hole format. According to Hatton, out of all the LIV players surveyed, only three supported the change at that time.
Initial Reactions to the Format Shift
- Hatton has become a key player in LIV Golf, gaining recognition since his move from the PGA Tour.
- He is a regular on the European Ryder Cup team and has frequently competed at the top of major championship leaderboards.
- Despite the initial backlash, Hatton now expresses his enthusiasm for the change to 72 holes, stating it marks a positive evolution for the league.
Hatton’s sentiments on the new format align with a broader trend seen among LIV Golf players. Initially skeptical, many players have since embraced the shift, acknowledging the potential benefits it may bring.
Other Players Weigh In on the Change
LIV Golf’s leading figures have praised the new tournament format, contrasting sharply with the earlier poll results. Jon Rahm, a top player in the league, emphasized that the change would enhance competition and satisfy fans. He remarked:
- “This is a win for the League and the players… moving to 72 holes tests us more fully.”
Dustin Johnson echoed similar feelings, stating that 72-hole tournaments resemble the traditional structure of high-stake tournaments. He noted:
- “Playing 72 holes just feels a little more like the big tournaments we’ve all grown up playing.”
Joaquin Niemann, a five-time winner in 2025, expressed his excitement for this progression. Bryson DeChambeau called it a “fantastic evolution,” highlighting the need for greater recognition in major championships.
The Drive for Official World Golf Ranking Recognition
A significant motive behind the format change is LIV Golf’s struggle for acceptance by the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). Historically, the absence of 72-hole events was a roadblock to obtaining that vital acknowledgment, complicating players’ access to major championships. With this transition, there is hope that LIV Golf will gain the necessary recognition.
In conclusion, as LIV Golf moves forward with 72-hole tournaments, player sentiment is evolving. What started as skepticism is now becoming a unified support for a format that promises to enrich the competitive landscape of professional golf.
