LIV Golf Riyadh 2026 preview: Adrian Meronk defends title as star-studded field embrace new format

The 2026 LIV Golf season tees off this week in Saudi Arabia, with LIV Golf returning to Riyadh for the second time in its history.

After a six-month wait, the action begins in the Middle East in what promises to be another gripping campaign, with significant format changes sure to impact proceedings. 

Adrian Meronk will defend his title at the curtain raiser in Riyadh, while Jon Rahm and Legion XIII eye making history.

What's in store at Riyadh Golf Club from February 4-7? Here is everything you need to know ahead of the event..

LIV Golf introduces expanded format for 2026

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72-hole events and increased field

Riyadh will premiere the first 72-hole event of the season, an increase from the 54-hole format of previous years, meaning that each event will last four days.

In addition to the increased action, there are also more competitors as the field size has increased from 54 to 57 individuals this year, with five Wild Card positions included.

Enhanced points system

Unlike last year, event points will be distributed among all players so that even those finishing last will still receive something for their efforts.

However, a greater emphasis has been placed on those finishing at the top of the leaderboard, with a substantial increase in points allocated to the top performers.

For example, the player who finishes first earns 200 points compared to the 40 awarded last campaign.

Given that these points are also added to the team totals, they hold significant value for competitors.

Lock zone, open zone and drop zone changes

• The Lock Zone: Expanded to the top 34 players this season, up from the top 24 last term. This consists of approximately 60% of the 57-player field.
• The Open Zone: Now includes players finishing between 35th and 46th in the leaderboard. Approximately 20% of the field and down on the 24 spots from previous years.
• The Drop Zone: Includes the players between 47th and 57th on the leaderboard, up from the bottom six, making up approximately 20% of the field.

Adrian Meronk to defend title in Riyadh

Adrian Meronk reigned supreme in Riyadh last season, carding rounds of 62, 66 and 71 to stave off Jon Rahm and Sebastian Muñoz, who finished on the podium.

Despite almost crumbling at the last, the Pole earned an eye-watering $4million to start the campaign in some style.

As for the team side, Rahm's Legion XIII, consisting of Tyrrell Hatton, Caleb Surratt and Tom McKibbin, triumphed in the first event of the calendar, having led from beginning to end.

Legion would go on to lift the overall team trophy at the close of the season in Michigan for the very first time.

John Rahm chases third successive individual trophy

After lifting the individual and team trophies in 2025, Rahm will be defending on two fronts when he tees off in Riyadh.

The Spaniard became the first player to win the individual accolade twice when he won it for a second successive time last year, and would make history again if he lifts it a third time.

He finished the 2025 season with 226 points, but that total will surely be smashed this time round, given the increase in prize money for top performers.

Rahm will line up alongside Hatton, Surratt and McKibbin again this year as they aim to become the first team to defend their title.

LIV Golf 2026 team rosters

LIV Golf 2026 wildcards

• Scott Vincent
• Yosuke Asaji
• Richard T Lee
• Bjorn Hellgren
• Anthony Kim

LIV Golf 2026 full season schedule

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