Bryson DeChambeau has once again voiced his dissatisfaction with LIV Golf’s shift from its signature 54-hole format to 72-hole tournaments, a change implemented at the start of the 2026 season.
The two-time U.S. Open champion, who currently leads the Aramco LIV Golf Singapore event by three shots after strong opening rounds, addressed the format adjustment during a press conference following his second round. DeChambeau emphasized that he originally signed up for the league’s unique three-round structure.
“From my perspective, when we were playing three rounds, it was a sprint,” DeChambeau said. “So you had to go for everything and have the best game possible, and if you made a bogey or double, you were putting yourself quite a bit behind the 8-ball.”
He contrasted this with the new four-round setup, noting that it shifts the emphasis away from aggressive, high-stakes play. “Now, with it being four days, that doesn’t matter as much,” he explained. “But it is a different mindset for some people because you can hit a couple bad shots here and there and have one super low round and be right back in the mix of it.”
DeChambeau highlighted how the shorter format demanded constant risk-taking and precision under pressure. “I think in three days, each shot matters a little more, and four days it tests your overall resiliency.
“It’s just two different ways to play the game, I think, but the lowest score is going to win no matter what.”
DeChambeau said he is attempting to maintain his aggressive style despite the change. He has previously expressed similar sentiments, including comments earlier in the year that the move was “not what we ultimately signed up for” and questioning why LIV Golf deviated from its original identity — after all, the league’s name “LIV” derives from the Roman numeral for 54.
The format change, announced in late 2025 and aimed at aligning more closely with traditional professional golf (including potential benefits for Official World Golf Ranking points), has drawn mixed reactions among players. While some have welcomed the additional day of competition, DeChambeau’s repeated criticism underscores ongoing tensions for a star whose contract with LIV runs through 2026.
Despite his reservations, DeChambeau remains committed for the current season and is performing strongly in Singapore, positioning himself as a contender for his first individual win of the year under the new rules.
