LIV Golf adds 10 spots to secured 'Lock Zone' as part of suite of changes

LIV Golf is adjusting its rules to increase the number of players who qualify for the next season, ensure performance has more immediate consequences and distribute points across the entire field.

Beginning in 2026, LIV's protected "Lock Zone" will grow from 24 players to 34, giving roughly 60% of the 57-man league guaranteed status for the following year. The "Open Zone" will shrink by two spots and now includes the top 46 players who are free to change teams but are not necessarily guaranteed a spot in the league.

Anyone finishing 47th or worse falls into relegation territory.

The move arrives with the Official World Golf Ranking board meeting this week, with LIV's pursuit of ranking points still a central backdrop for the Saudi-funded circuit.

"The changes we're introducing for 2026 are about rewarding consistency, strengthening team golf and creating clearer pathways for players to earn their place and progress within the league," CEO Scott O'Neil said.

LIV will also begin awarding points to every player in the field instead of stopping at the top 24, with the points higher for top finishers. It previously announced a shift to 72-hole events after four seasons of 54-hole tournaments.

The league's season opens Feb. 4 in Riyadh. LIV has raised its total purse to $30 million, including a doubled $10 million team prize.

--Field Level Media