Get ready for a historic showdown in Riyadh, as LIV Golf ventures into uncharted territory with its first-ever 72-hole regular-season tournament! But here’s where it gets controversial: will this extended format truly crown the best golfer, or does it unfairly favor the steady over the spectacular? As the sun sets on Saturday, Elvis Smylie and Peter Uihlein find themselves tied for the lead at 16 under, setting the stage for a thrilling final-round shootout. This isn’t just about individual glory—the team competition is equally fierce, with Torque GC leading the charge, fueled by the remarkable twin 7-under 65s from Abraham Ancer and Carlos Ortiz.
The shift to a 72-hole format has already shaken things up. Had this been the traditional 54-hole tournament, Uihlein and Smylie would’ve faced a playoff on Friday. Instead, they—and the rest of the contenders—get an extra 18 holes to prove their mettle. And this is the part most people miss: does the longer format reward consistency at the expense of those who thrive under pressure in shorter sprints?
Uihlein, a LIV Golf veteran who’s played in all 51 tournaments, is chasing his first individual title. He admits, “I feel like 72 holes fits me a little better,” but is quick to add, “Looking forward to the challenge tomorrow.” Meanwhile, Smylie, the 23-year-old newcomer to LIV Golf, is on a mission to prove himself. After a bogey-free 7-under 65 on Friday, he declared, “I want to establish myself as one of the best guys in this league.”
The team dynamics are just as intriguing. Torque GC holds a two-shot lead over Smash GC, whose captain, Talor Gooch, is just one shot off the individual lead. Ripper GC, looking ahead to their home tournament in Adelaide next week, trails by another shot. But here’s a thought-provoking question: with the longer format, are we seeing the rise of the steady grinder over the explosive star?
Ancer, who won his first LIV Golf title in the 54-hole format, welcomes the extra round. “You feel like it’s a little bit more of a sprint [in 54 holes],” he said. “But then playing 72 holes, you feel like if you’re a steady player, that would maybe help you rise to the top of the leaderboard.” Yet, with players like Gooch and Jon Rahm—both known for their consistency—still in contention, the debate rages on: does this format truly level the playing field?
As the winds pick up and rain threatens, the stage is set for a dramatic conclusion. Uihlein, who’s been using a flashlight to navigate the shadows of the nighttime tournament, knows anything can happen. “I’m expecting it to be a shootout,” he said, “but we could come out here tomorrow and it’s blowing 15, 20 again, so you never know.”
So, here’s the burning question: will the 72-hole format crown a deserving champion, or will it leave fans and players divided? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think this extended format is a game-changer, or does it take away from the excitement of a shorter, more intense battle? One thing’s for sure: Saturday’s final round in Riyadh promises to be unforgettable.
