4Aces GC star Patrick Reed says he’s fully on board with LIV Golf’s newly announced shift to 72 holes next season, a change he believes will reward the best performers and elevate the league’s competitive edge.
Speaking during this week’s series finale of The International Series at the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers, the 2018 Masters champion didn’t hide his enthusiasm.
“I love it,” he said of the move to four rounds.
“The more holes you play, the more the top players rise to the occasion. With the three-round tournaments, it turned into a really fast sprint. You knew it would be different, but you didn’t think it would be that different.”
That confidence translated into a solid showing on Friday, where he carded a 4-under 67 to move to 6-under overall.
A run of three consecutive birdies from the 11th hole showcased flashes of his best, even if he felt there was more out there.
“It was OK for the most part,” Reed said.
“I actually drove the ball better earlier this week, but I hit a lot of quality irons and gave myself a ton of opportunities. I felt like I left a lot out there, missed a couple short ones, but to feel like I got nothing out of the round and still shoot 4-under is a good sign. Hopefully tomorrow I get off to a fast start and make the putts rather than miss them.”
The strong round adds to what has been a standout season.
His first LIV Golf League victory in Dallas helped secure seventh on the standings, alongside a runner-up finish at International Series Macau presented by Wynn that booked his spot in The 153rd Open, and a third-place finish at the Masters.
That result in Macau was pivotal, and Reed says it embodies what makes The International Series so valuable to players worldwide.
“That’s what’s awesome about the Asian Tour and The International Series events, the majors are really starting to recognize the talent and the great play from the players out here, and because of that they’re allowing spots in the majors and these big events,” Reed said.
“I think it’s huge for this tour because it brings guys over to try to earn spots and showcase their game. It really shows how global golf is and how important it is for the majors to branch out and give players worldwide a chance to compete in the four biggest events in the world.”
“The form has been getting a lot better. Golf’s a funny game, one day you’re flushing it and burning edges, the next day you’re hitting it sideways but making everything. It’s very close to being really, really good. The irons feel great. Now I just need the putter to cooperate.”
This season has also seen Reed embrace The International Series travel schedule, with appearances in Macau, International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus, and Link Hong Kong Open.
That global rhythm, he says, sharpens his game.
“Traveling worldwide makes you adapt, different grasses, altitudes, temperatures, time zones,” Reed said.
“It shows you what needs work and what’s improving. It’s great preparation.”
With one round left in Riyadh, the goal is to finish strong before turning attention to next year.
The plan?
“Go home and take some time off – it’s well deserved,” Reed said.
“I’ve played 32 weeks already this year. Then I’ll sit down with my coaches, figure out what to work on in the offseason, and probably play a couple DP World Tour events in Dubai to get ready for LIV starting up here in Saudi.”
LIV Golf announced in early November that beginning in 2026, all events will be played over 72 holes.
Since its inception in 2022, LIV Golf events have featured a three-day 54-hole competition, playing the majority of events from Friday through Sunday.
In 2026, all events will be played over four days, generally beginning on Thursday of event weeks.
The same high-energy team and individual competition format remains core to the League’s DNA, along with the world-class event experiences that are central to LIV Golf’s impact on and off the course.
“As we enter our fourth season as a League, the move to 72 holes marks a pivotal new chapter for LIV Golf that strengthens our League, challenges our elite field of players, and delivers more of the world-class golf, energy, innovation and access that our global audience wants,” said Scott O’Neil, LIV Golf CEO.
For each regular season event, the individual competition will be decided over 72 holes of stroke play, while the team competition will continue to run concurrently.
Each team’s cumulative individual stroke play scores will determine the team’s result.
Central to LIV Golf’s identity and offering, the shotgun starts remain, ensuring the condensed, faster-paced event experience embraced by players and fans.
“This is a win for the League, and the players,” said Jon Rahm, Legion XIII Captain and the two-time reigning Individual Champion.
“LIV Golf is a player’s league. We are competitors to the core and we want every opportunity to compete at the highest level and to perfect our craft.
Moving to 72 holes is the logical next step that strengthens the competition, tests us more fully, and if the growing galleries from last season are any indication, delivers more of what the fans want.”
The move to 72 holes puts LIV Golf more in line with the traditional format recognized globally and could help in its bid to finally earn points through the Official World Golf Ranking.
