LIV to play 72 holes? Talor Gooch says 'discussions will be had'

Field Level Media|published: Wed 13th December, 12:26 2023

Jul 7, 2023; Hertfordshire, ENG; Talor Gooch (USA) plays his shot from the fourth tee during the first round of the LIV Golf London golf tournament at Centurion Club. credits: Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sports

Defending individual champion Talor Gooch says "discussions will be had" about expanding the LIV Golf format from 54 to 72 holes.

His comments follow the circuit's recent signing of two-time major winner Jon Rahm. Rahm previously criticized the Saudi-backed league's 54-hole, no-cut events with shotgun starts.

"We haven't had an open forum discussion with all the players," Gooch told Golf Digest. "But you get both sides ... guys who would welcome (playing 72 holes) and some guys who are opposed to it. Discussions will be had and it will be interesting to see what comes of it.

"I think LIV Golf was meant to be something different; I think it's not supposed to be a carbon copy of the rest of professional golf. I lean towards keeping it at 54 holes. Part of it, too, from my experience on the PGA Tour, was Thursdays are just irrelevant from a fan perspective (except for) only a couple times a year."

The shorter events may be fan-friendly, but they come with a price. Playing only 54 holes was one of the reasons why LIV's application to receive Official World Golf Ranking points was denied in October.

Gooch, 32, was recently traded from Bubba Watson's RangeGoats GC to Brooks Koepka's Smash GC. He won three events on the LIV Golf tour in 2023.

—Field Level Media