In a significant move, LIV Golf has announced the expansion of its qualifying events, offering more opportunities for golfers worldwide to join the breakaway league.
The new qualifying event, LIV Golf Promotions, will take place from January 8-11, 2026, at Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto, Florida.
Expanded Qualifying Opportunities
LIV Golf has increased its exemptions from one to two players through The International Series, a set of elevated events sanctioned by the Asian Tour. The top two players in the final 2025 International Series rankings, not already exempt, will gain a LIV Golf spot for 2026. Additionally, the top two finishers at the LIV Golf Promotions event will earn full-season spots in the 2026 LIV Golf League.
Tournament Format and Prize Purse
The LIV Golf Promotions event will feature four rounds of 18-hole stroke play, with scores resetting and carrying over at different stages. The tournament boasts a $1.5 million prize purse, with $200,000 awarded to the winner and $150,000 to the runner-up.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for LIV Golf Promotions include:
– 2025 Walker Cup and 2025 Palmer Cup Players
– Runner-up of the following last played amateur events in 2025:
– US Amateur Championship
– The Amateur Championship
– Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship
– Latin America Amateur Championship
– European Amateur Championship
– African Amateur Championship
– Winners of Asian Tour, Japan Golf Tour, KPGA Korean Tour, PGA Tour of Australasia, and Sunshine Tour-sanctioned tournaments in the 2025 calendar year
– Leading 30 available players from within the top 300 Data Golf Rankings as of December 15, 2025
PGA Tour Response
The PGA Tour has announced disciplinary measures against players who participate in the LIV Golf Promotions event, warning of suspensions and bans. The Tour designates any tournament held in North America by a competing league as “unauthorized”.
LIV Golf’s Global Ambitions
LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil stated, “LIV Golf continues to expand pathways for players around the world to qualify into the first truly global golf league.” The league aims to provide opportunities for talented golfers to compete against the best in the world.
Impact on Golf’s Landscape
The expansion of LIV Golf’s qualifying events marks a significant shift in the golf landscape. With more opportunities for golfers to join the breakaway league, LIV Golf is poised to continue its growth and challenge the traditional golf establishment.
As the golf world watches, one thing is certain: LIV Golf is here to stay, and its impact will be felt for years to come.
