How Does LIV Golf Work? Format, Teams & Prize Money Explained

By Sarah Miller · July 13, 2052

LIV Golf is a professional men's golf league that operates on a team-based, 54-hole stroke play format with no cut, offering $20 million purses per event and featuring star players in a season-long competition ending with a Team Championship.

What Is LIV Golf and How Does It Work?

LIV Golf, launched in 2022 by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, represents a disruptive model in professional golf. Unlike traditional tours such as the PGA Tour, LIV Golf emphasizes team competition, shortened formats, and guaranteed prize money. Events are played over three days (54 holes) with no cut, ensuring all participants complete each tournament. The league features 48 individual players and 12 teams, each composed of four players, competing for both individual and team prizes.

Key Features of LIV Golf

Event Format: 54-hole stroke play (three rounds)
No Cut Policy: All 48 players finish every event
Team Structure: 12 teams with four players each; teams accumulate points across events
Purse Size: $20 million per event ($14 million individual, $6 million team)
Scoring System: Individual winners earn 500 OWGR points; team winners share $3 million
Schedule: 14 regular-season events plus a Team Championship finale

How Are Points Awarded in LIV Golf?

LIV Golf uses a dual scoring system to reward both individual performance and team success. Players earn points based on their finish in each event, while teams receive points according to their placement. These points contribute to season-long standings that determine qualification for the final Team Championship.

Individual vs. Team Points Breakdown

The following table outlines how points are distributed at each LIV Golf event:

Finish Position	Individual Points	Team Points
1st	500	12
2nd	350	10
3rd	300	8
4th	250	7
5th	200	6
6th	175	5
7th	150	4
8th	125	3
9th	100	2
10th	90	1
11th–14th	80–50	0
15th–48th	45–1	0

Table data source:LIV Golf Official Rules, Golnn

The points structure heavily rewards top finishes, particularly first place, which receives double the points of second. This incentivizes aggressive play and creates dramatic finishes. Team points are only awarded to the top 10 finishing teams, emphasizing consistency and depth across rosters.

Player Roster and Team Dynamics

LIV Golf has attracted major golfing talent through reported multi-year, fully funded contracts. Notable signees include Phil Mickelson, Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson, and Cameron Smith. Each team is captained by a prominent player who helps shape its identity and strategy.

Current LIV Golf Teams (2025 Season)

Anthem GC (captained by Tiger Woods*)
Arcadia
RangeGoats GC (Patton Kizzire)
Majesticks GC (Ernie Els)
ZOZO GC (Kohei Sato)
HyFlyers GC (Fred Couples)
Smash GC (Bubba Watson)
Crange GC (Cameron Smith)
RangeBurners GC (Abraham Ancer)
RangeWeavers GC (Louis Oosthuizen)
RangeBreakers GC (Joel Dahmen)
Draft Club (roster changes via draft)

*Tiger Woods participates selectively due to injury but remains team captain and equity stakeholder.

Prize Money and Payout Structure

Each LIV Golf event offers a $20 million purse—one of the richest in golf. The prize distribution is split between individual and team components:

$14 million for individual player payouts
$6 million allocated to team competition
Event winner earns $4 million individually
Winning team splits $3 million
All players receive appearance fees regardless of finish

This financial model contrasts sharply with PGA Tour events, where total purses average around $10 million and only top-60 players (plus ties) earn prize money after the cut.

Season Format and Championship

The LIV Golf season consists of 14 regular events followed by a season-ending Team Championship. The top eight teams based on cumulative points qualify for the finale, where the overall team champion is crowned. Individual season rankings also determine eligibility for select global events and bonus incentives.

Key Season Milestones

Opening Event: Typically held in Mexico or USA
Mid-Season Invitational: Special format with elevated purse
Team Championship: Final event with $50 million total purse
Global Expansion: Events in Asia, Middle East, UK, and Australia

Frequently Asked Questions About LIV Golf

How does LIV Golf differ from the PGA Tour?

LIV Golf differs from the PGA Tour in format, structure, and economics. LIV events are 54 holes with no cut, feature team competition, offer larger guaranteed payouts, and operate on a limited schedule of ~14 events. The PGA Tour plays 72-hole tournaments with cuts, focuses on individual performance, and has a longer season with FedEx Cup playoffs.

Do LIV Golf players get Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points?

Yes, since 2023, LIV Golf events award OWGR points. The individual winner receives 500 points—equivalent to a major championship win. However, points distribution has been debated due to smaller field sizes and lack of cut, potentially inflating rankings compared to traditional tours.

Can LIV Golf players compete in majors?

Yes, LIV Golf players can compete in major championships if they qualify via standard criteria (e.g., past champion status, world ranking, qualifying events). Several LIV athletes, including Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith, have won majors post-LIV signing.

How are LIV Golf teams selected?

Teams were initially formed through player drafts and captain selections. Since 2024, new players join via a live draft event, promoting parity and fan engagement. Captains choose teammates from available talent pools, including rookies and free agents.

Is LIV Golf part of the PGA Tour or DP World Tour?

No, LIV Golf is an independent league not affiliated with the PGA Tour or DP World Tour. While some players previously competed on those tours, participation in LIV Golf results in suspension from PGA Tour and European Tour events due to conflicting schedules and governance policies.