LIV Golf Expands 2026 Field to 57 Players and Adds Third Promotions Qualifying Spot

LIV Golf has announced a significant expansion for its 2026 season, increasing the regular-season field size to 57 players—comprising 13 four-player teams and five Wild Card players. This move enhances qualifying pathways through the third edition of LIV Golf Promotions, scheduled for January 8–11, 2026, at the prestigious Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto, Florida.

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The four-day, 72-hole stroke play event now awards the top three finishers full-season Wild Card spots in the 2026 LIV Golf League—an increase from the previously announced two spots. These five Wild Cards will compete independently with guaranteed entry into all 13 regular-season events. Additionally, the top 10 finishers (including ties) earn full exemption into the 2026 International Series, the elevated events sanctioned by the Asian Tour.

“LIV Golf is committed to moving the sport forward by expanding opportunity and access,” said LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil. “We are opening pathways—creating more chances for top talent to compete in the world’s golf league. Adding another qualifying spot strengthens our field and adds excitement to a season built on opportunity, competition, and growth.”

The top three from Promotions will join Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent and Japan’s Yosuke Asaji, who secured their Wild Card spots as the top two in the 2025 International Series rankings, concluding last month at the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers.

Over 80 players from 24 countries have registered for this year’s Promotions, featuring a diverse field of proven professionals (average age 30) including former top-50-ranked players, Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup participants, and winners across the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and Asian Tour. More than half (47) have won events in the past two years, with 32 different tournament winners in 2025 alone.

Standout entrants include:

• Chris Wood (England) — 2016 Ryder Cup player and three-time DP World Tour winner

• Pablo Ereno (Spain) — 2025 Palmer Cup player and former world No. 6 amateur

• Miguel Tabuena (Philippines) — Two-time Olympian and third in 2025 International Series standings

• Christopher Wood (Australia) — Current top-ranked player on the PGA Tour of Australasia

• Alex Levy (France) — Five-time DP World Tour winner

Several returning LIV Golf players are also competing to regain status, including Ben Campbell (formerly RangeGoats GC, 36th in 2025 standings), Matt Jones (formerly Ripper GC, 40th), and Anthony Kim—a three-time PGA Tour winner, former world No. 6, and member of the victorious 2008 U.S. Ryder Cup team (55th in 2025).

LIV Golf League players from the Open Zone (25th–48th) and relegated players (49th–54th) without 2026 team commitments are eligible to secure their playing rights through this event.

The tournament format features progressive cuts: Top 20 and ties advance from round one to round two (with some automatic qualifiers joining), followed by another reset and cut to top 20 and ties for the final 36-hole weekend shootout. The event offers a $1.5 million purse, with $200,000 to first, $150,000 to second, and $100,000 to third.

These enhancements underscore LIV Golf’s ongoing commitment to global growth, providing clearer and more expansive pathways into the league and its ecosystem for 2026 and beyond.

Data, quotes, and photos courtesy of LIV Golf