LIV Golf vs. PGA Tour: A New Era of Golf
LIV Golf and the PGA Tour both exist within the world of professional golf, but they are structured and presented very differently. When LIV Golf was launched, its founders had a clear mission: to revolutionize the traditional golf experience by making it louder, more global, and more accessible. That vision is reflected in the tour’s schedule, which includes stops in major international cities such as Riyadh, Adelaide, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
Scott O’Neil, a key figure behind LIV Golf’s operations, highlighted how the tour distinguishes itself by embracing a global team-based model—something rarely seen in golf. He compared LIV Golf to Formula 1, noting that both operate on a truly international scale and have teams competing across premium markets. This concept of golf as a team sport is one of LIV’s defining features and sets it apart from the PGA Tour.
A lot to unpack here from Bubba Watson on McAfee today pic.twitter.com/P3ZQPQApVI
— Josh Carpenter (@JoshACarpenter) May 20, 2025
Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson, who joined LIV Golf in 2022, recently shared his personal insights into the differences between the two tours. Appearing on the Pat McAfee Show, Watson described the LIV format as more inclusive and consistent. Unlike the PGA Tour’s 72-hole format, which includes a cut after two days that eliminates half the field, LIV Golf features a 54-hole setup with no cuts—meaning every player competes for the full event and is guaranteed a share of the prize money.
Watson also serves as captain of the RangeGoats GC, one of LIV’s team franchises. Each tournament features both individual and team competitions, with collective scores determining the team standings. This dynamic is absent in PGA Tour events and adds another layer of strategy and camaraderie to the game.
Beyond the structure, the lifestyle is also different. Watson emphasized how the LIV schedule allows him to spend more time with his family, something that has significantly improved his quality of life. His son can now attend events and walk the full 18 holes with him, creating memorable family experiences.
However, the seemingly lighter schedule does have its challenges. LIV’s 14-event season requires all players to participate in every event, regardless of whether the courses suit their style of play. Unlike the PGA Tour, where golfers can selectively enter tournaments that match their strengths, LIV participants must adapt their game for each venue. Watson acknowledged this difficulty, saying players are often forced to adjust their strategies and learn to succeed even on less favorable layouts.
Despite the obstacles, Watson has shown signs of progress in 2025. He recently secured a T7 finish at LIV Golf Mexico—his best result to date on the tour. This was only his second top-10 finish in three years, the first being at LIV Golf Tulsa in 2023. He currently ranks 29th on the individual points list, a notable improvement from his 53rd-place finish last season. His captaincy exempts him from relegation, but the recent performances suggest he’s starting to find his form.
Following the Mexico event, he managed a T17 finish in Korea and is now preparing for the upcoming tournament in Virginia. If he maintains this momentum, 2025 could finally be the breakthrough year Watson has been working toward on the LIV circuit.